A Comparison of Three Perspectives on the Evolution of Technology (1)

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A Comparison of Three Perspectives on the Evolution of Technology 1 A Comparison of Three Perspectives on the Evolution of Technology Yasmeen Ahmed Ashworth College

A Comparison of Three Perspectives on the Evolution of Technology 2 Many theories have arisen about how socio-cultural evolution works and how important it is to humanity. Three of these theories have come from Alvin Toffler, Leslie White, and Gerhard Lenski. Although the three theories have their differences, we also see some of their similarities. It is necessary to explore them to understand better the directions we are going and how not all societies are in the same field in their socio-cultural progression. Gerhard Lenski was a Sociologist who supported the belief that civilization and technological progress go hand in hand. Lenski believed, “technological progress and civilization are closely related. In fact, the key to human progress is information . The more we know about harnessing and using natural resources, the more we can advance human society” (Elwell, F. 1943). He states that there are four stages of communication. Stages one is primarily about biological communication or the passing on of genes, generation after generation. Stage two is sentience. As we develop our abilities to understand the world around us, we adapt to our surroundings, communicate more, and share our experiences. Stage three focuses on the ability to understand the logic and work on collective goals that are based on observations and annalists. Stage four sets the stage for the foundations of civilization. We master language, writing, and creating symbols. Lenski also proposed four levels of technical development; hunter-gather is the beginning level. We move to horticultural aspects, then come organized horticulture. Finally, with the industrial revolution, we developed revolutionary advances in production that the key to human evolution is progress. The more we know how to harness and use the provided resources, the greater our abilities to advance our human societies.

A Comparison of Three Perspectives on the Evolution of Technology 3 Leslie White was an anthropologist that focused on the harnessing and control of energy. Leslie believed that this was the primary purpose and function of any society. Leslie stated there were five stages of human development. Stage one was human muscle power is the source of energy. Stage two, humans harness the energy provided by domesticated animals. Stage three, the agricultural revolution, provides surplus food energy to extend the value of Stage 2. Then, in stage four, humans harness the power of natural resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This comes along with the industrial revolution. Finally, in stage five, nuclear energy is harnessed. In White’s words, “culture evolves as the amount of energy harnessed per capita per year is increased . . . or as the efficiency of the instrumental means of putting the energy to work is increased” (White, L. 2013). He developed a formula that is still effective to this day P= E*T. Alvin Toffler was a journalist, social critic, and futurist who was best known for the concept of future shock. Which he defines as one’s perception that there is “too much change in too short a period of time.” Toffler argued that human societies are undergoing enormous social and technological structural change. We live in an unprecedented era in which industrial society is changing to a “super-industrial” society. In Toffler’s view, “many find the speed of change overwhelming. Millions of people feel disconnected. We live lives characterized by “shattering stress and disorientation”(Fretwell, J. 2015). Toffler identifies three stages in the development of societies: agrarian, industrial, and postindustrial. Stage 1 got underway in the Neolithic period. When humans invented agriculture, stage 2 began in England with the arrival of the Industrial Revolution, inventions of machine tools, and the steam engine. Stage 3 started in the second half of the 20th century with automated manufacturing, robotics, and computers.

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