What is technology?
The term has various meanings. Broadly, technology is a human-made device, machine, or process that serves a human need. For example, a simple stone knife is technology; and so is a microwave oven.
Encyclopedia Britannica defines technology in this manner, as:
“the application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or, as it is sometimes phrased, to the change and manipulation of the human environment.”
The Merriam Webster Dictionary gives a number of definitions:
- Firstly, a) the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area; b) a capability given by the practical application of knowledge (such as a car’s fuel-saving technology).
- Secondly, a manner of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge (such as new technologies for information storage).
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Thirdly, the specialized aspects of a particular field of endeavor (such as educational technology).
At root, the term refers to human ingenuity applied to solving the problems humans encounter with objects, devices, or processes that leverage scientific knowledge (implicit knowledge or explicit). Compare with invention.