Technology Role in the Human Community, Essay Example

Introduction

For quite a long time men have used technology to communicate their values. But it is not in the late 20^th century that there arose an interest in this subject. From autos, aviation, electronics like computers and audio visual systems, architecture just to mention but a few, man has manifested a lot of values in his naming. In this article I would like to explore just but a few of the most striking examples (George, 103).

Autos

The use of symbolic names in technology by man to communicate his values has never found a wide applicability as it has found in auto world. Some of the world’s best auto brands are associated with animals, historical eras and prominent personalities. Obvious examples here include Eagle, Jaguar, Man, Toyota, Blue bird etc. The name code Jaguar for instance may be communicating that the car is swift and strong. Equally calling a car blue bird may be implying that it is sleek (George, 105).

Aviation

Just like in autos, the aviation industry also has its fair share of names that are a statement of our vales, intentions and self conception. The name Apollo for example is in honor of the historical astronaut Apollo. Air bus line of air planes may be referring to the fact that the planes are big enough like a bus to carry many passengers. Literary speaking it is a bus of the air! A good name in deed or isn’t it? Equally the US president’s jet is called Air force I thus communicating the value that it is the first force of the air.

Electronics

The electronics industry also has its fair share of name codes. They have used animals, concepts, prominent individuals and even plants. For instance the world’s best computer brand is Apple. This is the name of one of the best fruits of nature, so it may be implying that it is also the best in computer world which it is. On the same note brands like hp, Philips, Dell among others are accredited to their founders (Donald and Wajcman, 117).

Conclusion

Each and every technology product is as a result of man’s thinking; hence it is bound to be given a name that communicates a statement, value, self conception or intentions of the founders, manufactures or even users of the technology. Thus there is more to a name than we perceive them in our every day use.

Works Cited

George Crabb, Universal Technological Dictionary, or Familiar Explanation of the Terms Used in All Arts and Sciences, Containing Definitions Drawn From the Original Writers, (London: Baldwin, Cradock and Joy, 2003).

Donald A. MacKenzie and Judy Wajcman, Introductory Essay in the Social Shaping of Technology, 2nd ed. (Buckingham, England: Open University Press, 1999).