User:Emicla4/sandbox

Technological Determinism's page has a short definition that I would like to expand. I will also be expanding the short 'origin' section.

Definition:

Technological determinism is a reductionist theory that assumes that a society's technology determines the development of its social structure and cultural values. Technological determinism tries to understand how technology has had an impact on human action and thought. Changes in technology are the primary source for changes in society.

Origin:

The term is believed to have been coined by Thorstein Veblen (1857–1929), an American social scientist. Veblen's contemporary, popular historian Charles A. Beard, provided this apt determinist image, "Technology marches in seven-league boots from one ruthless, revolutionary conquest to another, tearing down old factories and industries, flinging up new processes with terrifying rapidity." Copied from [Technological Determinism].

One of the most radical technological determinists was a man named Clarence Ayres, who was a follower of Veblen's theory in the 20th century. Ayers is best known for developing economic philosophies, but he also worked closely with Veblen who coined the technological determinism theory. He often times talked about the struggle between technology and ceremonial structure.

Ayres is most famous for coining "Institutionalist Dualism". "Dualism" is the coexistence of "technological" and "ceremonial" behavior. The naturally inherited aspects of how technology plays a role in economic structure that is constantly changing. "Ayres propounded a theory of "institutional lag" whereby technological changes inevitably kept economic technology one step ahead of inherited socio-cultural institutions" (hetwebsite).

These were Ayres interpretations of Veblen's work, and he had a huge impact on Veblen's rising idea of Technological Determinism.

References:

Fonseca, G. (2001). Clarence Edwin Ayres, (1891-1972). The History of Economic Thought. https://www.hetwebsite.net/het/profiles/ayres.htm