and how through their use you profoundly alter technology.
This web of technical objects and techniques we use to operate these devices have three related features that enhance our understanding; these significant features are convergence, problem solving, and impacts.
1. convergence -- the way (logos) or tao, based on the ordering, structuring, and functioning of things. terally convergence, as implied by the web, means that certain necessary steps in refining materials or learning new skills come together, to create new opportunities for observant inventors. Figuratively convergence refers to how one set of related tools that form a technical complex, such as the iron production in Hubei province in 8th century China, becomes the foundation for related (actually dependent) tool complexes such as weaponry, metal gears, canal gates or locks and astronomical instruments.
Six skills converge in the advancement of any art, science or technology
Language (Pursell)
Visualization (Pursell & Pacey)
Handwork (Pursell & Pacey)
Music (Pacey)
Time (Pursell & Pacey)
Writing (Pursell & Pacey)
perspective | Varieties of intelligence. | what is learning?
2. problem solving -- the search for solutions:
- Technology is the concrete and practical meeting ground of the arts and sciences because it unites the affective with the cognitive realms through skills assisting people to seek solutions to problems.
- Advances in tools (their use and design) occur because --as solutions to problems are discussed-- exaptation must be tested, utilised and promoed so that existing components are reconfigured to yield innovative technology.
- Problems arise in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of tools, structures and equipment that force us in our practise to become more alert, more precise and more humane.
Using tools may either enable, frustrate, alienate or insulate the practitioner.
enable, the practitioner is liberated in ways that allow a greater range of expression, increased productivity or leisure.
frustrate, the practitioner is not satisfied with the performance based on expectations from past experiences.
alienate, the practitioner may feel separated from production and withdraws from engagement in reality.
insulate, the practitioner is kept from seeing functional relationships and thus understanding how something works.
The impact on our souls of using tools is that we enter into a Faustian bargain with our consciences.
You either educate yourself to adapt, or you are mastered by your ignorance to submissive observation.
Problem is defined as an appreciable and recognizable difference between an existing and desired state of affairs.
Web is defined as a perceptible, but complex, relationship beyond the capacity of people to easily describe.
- Faust was a medieval magician (magus) who --for power over material existence-- sold his soul to the devil (deamons).
- A deal in which we are bound to lose for .
