Analysis of Technology Evolution by Gerhard Lenski, Alvin Toffler and Leslie White

Different studies on the evolution of technology

Different studies have been conducted regarding evolution of technology by scholars, sociologists, intellectuals and anthropologists. This presentation titled Analysis of the Three Perspectives of Technology Evolution talks about specific intellectuals and their theories namely Gerhard lenski, Leslie white and Alvin toffer as they address the evolution of technology For instance, Gerhard argues that civilization go hand in hand with technological progress, information being the key factor. On the other hand Leslie maintain that the energy control is the key that triggers human civilation.While the above scholars associate themselves with ideas and predictions about what reflect on our mind in the postindustrial era. Toffler, a journalist and futurist holds that culture shock is relatively insignificant in compared to ’future shock’ - which is a dizzying awkwardness brought about by the premature dawn of the future.

Gerhard Lenski’s perspective

According to Gerhard lenski, the more we realize how to connect and apply the possessions of the natural world, the greater our skill to progress the welfares of human civilizations based multiple stages of communication. For instance, transitory of genetic material from one generation to another regard as biological communication. However, as we improve our abilities to comprehend and develop attentiveness of surrounding, eases our adaptability to our environment we can share our understanding. Finally, we convert skilled of sense. So we can serve mutual goals founded on opinion and fact-based study. Humans are able to master language, creating symbols and also write. Lenski concludes by saying that achieving all of the above is the foundation of civilization. Besides, proposing the levels of technological development.

Leslie White’s perspective

Anthropologist Alvin White Leslie focuses on the controlling and harnessing energy. For White, adjusting energy is the key primary role of any culture globally. He proceed by analyzing five stages of human development. First, human muscle power is the source of energy. Second, people harness the energy provided by domesticated animals. For example, Humans raise and herd livestock for food energy while using some animals for transport, though, next the agricultural revolution provides surplus food energy. Fourth, especially as stated in the Industrial Revolution, people connect the power of natural resources, such as oil, natural gas and coal. Lastly, harnessing the power of nuclear energy. Leslie provides a step by step energy evolution stemming from the agrarian society right through to the contemporary world.

Alvin Toffler’s perspective

Conversely Alvin Toffler stands out compared to other scholars discussed earlier because of his predictive associated with the postindustrial era. Toffler’s quote gives an in-depth analysis of what he refers to in the current era “To survive, to avert what we have termed future shock, the individual must become infinitely more adaptable and capable than ever before. We must search out totally new ways to anchor ourselves, for all the old roots - religion, nation, community, family, or profession - are now shaking under the hurricane impact of the accelerative thrust” (Class Lecture). Therefore, the resources no longer shape the decisions, but the latter creating the much needed wealth.

Summary

In summary, Toffler’s perspective is not totally without precedent. Meanwhile, scholars like Lenski and White give us some useful insight into the relationship between technology and societal evolution. However, they fail to address the unintended consequences of high-tech and postindustrial development. For example, the case in respect to social, cultural, and technological progress in an era of anthropogenic (human caused) climate change and global warming.

Works Cited

Jones, Heather. “Analysis of the Three Perspectives of Technology Evolution.” 4 July 2018, Presentation.

Class Lecture. “Approaches to Measuring Technological Progress.” n.d, Lecture.