HST 701 Lecture Notes - Natural Philosophy, Socioeconomic Status, Technological Determinism
Document Summary
Assume that there is close relation between science and technology. Throughout most of history, science and tech not really related. Up and until 19th century, technology was not considered to be equal of science. Technology was considered inferior (artisans, engineers, craftspeople found to be inferior than natural philosophers) Aristotle and plato were first to make distinction between technology and natural philosophy. Natural philosophers were rich, had money to just sit around and explore the world. Craftsman/artisans were of lower class (had to work to make a living) Natural philopshy was considered study of universal knowledge (general laws/theories of world around us) Technical knowledge was more subject specific to items themselves. Despite the great creations of crafts peoples, they were unable to explain why objects worked (made them look less superior) Natural philosophy was still seen as superior. Hue of st. victor was first to say that technology was as valuable as natural philosophy.
