Technology is viewed as an important factor in the growth of society. However, the process of evolution of technology and how it links to society is less known. Various people have posited theories on the evolution of technology and the factors that affect this process. Gerhard Lenski argues that access to information is the most important factor, while Leslie White views the output of energy as the most critical. On the other hand, Alvin Toffler argues that the evolution of technology is also regulated by social factors. A comparison of the three theorists provides an insightful view into the evolution of technology.
Gerhard Lenski’s theory on the evolution of technology centers on the access to information. As society gains more ways to transfer information, it grows, and the technology also evolves. Thus, the evolution of technology is tied to the growth of societies. Lenski characterized the evolution of technology into four stages (Pitkänen, 2016). The first is that of information passing through genes. In this stage, humans are not able to record and share information. The second stage is where humans can pass information through their experiences. This is characteristic of horticultural societies which are stationary, which allows them to accumulate experiences (Pitkänen, 2016). Humans begin using signs and logic in the third stage. This stage is mainly characteristic of the agrarian societies that use plows as tools to enhance their productivity (Pitkänen, 2016). In the fourth stage, humans gain the mastery of language. According to Lenski, the growth of means of communication and transportation has allowed societies to increase their innovations skills. Therefore, these societies become more technologically advanced.
Leslie White’s theory on technological progress is based on the utilization of energy. White argues that cultures grow on the increase in the utility of energy consumed. The growth of a culture can either be in the increase of energy or in the increase of efficiency in using the available energy (White, 1943). Thus, cultural growth is a factor of the energy harnessed and its efficiency. Technology is used to harness more sources of power and to increase efficiency. As a culture looks to grow, it must increase its energy output. White states that the first stage of cultural evolution was when humans used only their muscle to provide energy. However, since this energy is limited, people engaged in technological innovation by creating items such as bows and harpoons (White, 1943). After humans have reached the limits of the energy expended and the technological innovation possible, they move to find other sources of energy. In this, case, humans domesticated animals and plants. Technological growth during this period was witnessed by the invention of tools to increase the efficiency of farm animals and in using irrigation and canals in farming (White, 1943). Thus, the growth of technology is necessitated by the need for the human culture to grow. Since the growth of culture is only through increased harnessing of energy, technology evolves to enhance the output of energy.
Alvin Toffler views the evolution of technology as a factor needed to fulfill the survival needs of humans. Toffler considers the growth of technology and its effect on humans. He identifies three stages of societal evolution which he uses to predict the future evolution of technology. In the first stage, humans advanced into civilized societies through the agrarian revolution (Zakaria & Alyati, 2012). These societies develop technologies that harness renewable energy to drive societal growth. The second stage is the industrial revolution which harnesses nature’s capital resources which are non-renewable for energy. Humans used these resources as if they were infinite (Zakaria & Alyati, 2012). However, the problems caused by the extreme harnessing of limited resources lead to the third stage of technological evolution. This stage is dominated by automation and computer technologies. However, humans are more critical of the types of technologies used to ensure that they help to conserve the environment. Further, humans suffer a “future shock” due to the accelerated growth of technology which causes social problems (Zakaria & Alyati, 2012).
In conclusion, Lenski considers access to information as a main factor in the evolution of technology. However, White views the harnessing and utilization of energy as the main element. Toffler’s view also involves the utilization of energy and its impact on society. The three theorists acknowledge that technological advancement is an important factor in the advancement of societies. White and Toffler also share similar views on the evolution of technology in the early stages. They both argue that the need to increase the energy output led to evolutions in the agrarian and industrial revolutions. However, while White argues that societies have a quest for more energy and hence they are likely to seek a more potent energy source, Toffler argues that the future of technology advancement is likely to be marked by moderation and caution as humans seek to guarantee their survival. Toffler notes that the advancement in technology can cause the society to deteriorate as marked through the information overload and the depletion of non-renewable energy resources. Thus, Toffler offers the most useful theory on the evolution of technology since his theory predicts some of the problems caused by advancements in technology in the contemporary world.
References
- Pitkänen, P. (2016). The ecological-evolutionary theory, migration, settler colonialism, sociology of violence and the origins of ancient Israel. Cogent social sciences, 2(1), 1210717.
- White, L. A. (1943). Energy and the evolution of culture. American anthropologist, 45(3), 335-356.
- Zakaria, W., & Alyati, W. F. (2012). Alvin Toffler: Knowledge Technology and Change in Future Society. International Journal of Islamic Thought, 1, 54-61.
