By hospitalera | May 26, 2009 | Views: 8,310 | Rating: 1

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, from the greek words for “craft” (techne / τέχνη) + "word" (logos / λογος), describes a wide range of subjects, all concerned with the achieving of a goal with the help of tools. Technology is the 'science of tools'. It is used to describe the use of a stick by a monkey to fish for delicious termites in a termite hive as well as to describe the latest tools used to build, prepare and send a spaceship on its journey. As soon something else than the body is used to achieve a goal, it is called technology. Animals are using technology on a very basic level, often making up for their lack of opposing thumbs with it. But the standard of technology is also used to determine the classification of a human civilization, i.e. Bronze Age means the age when human started to use tools made from bronze.

Technology always carries the problem of 'responsible use' with it. A gun can be used to kill an animal and to provide much needed food or to kill an enemy to get to his food resources. Information and data collected via the internet can be used to manipulate peoples behavior on the internet, for example by displaying targeted ads to web site visitors.

The more technology has evolved, the smaller, up to invisible, have the tools become. Nanotechnology is now used to send mini tools into human bodies to heal defects and diseases. Or to cause them, if used in warfare. The development of technology to a higher level distinguishes us from animals, but is also the testing stone for our responsibility for other beings and the world around us.