“Technology as a Means, Not an End”

A Position Paper on NSCI 112

Christopher James M. Noriel

BS Aeronautical Engineering

1st Year, Section 6

PATTS College of Aeronautics

 Throughout history, technology has played a pivotal role in advancing human

civilization. From the discovery of fire to harnessing nuclear energy, technology has

been a valuable tool humans have employed to achieve their goals. In contrast to the

view that technology is the essence of humanity, this position paper aims to argue that

technology is fundamentally a tool humans use to fulfill their aspirations and enhance

their quality of life.

First, let us answer the question, “What is technology?” According to the

Merriam-Webster Dictionary, technology is the application of scientific knowledge to

practical purposes in various industries. It involves the development of machinery and

equipment from the branch of knowledge dealing with engineering or applied sciences.

Additionally, the book “Science, Technology, and Society” by Bueno (2019) defines

technology as the organization of knowledge to accomplish real-world objectives or the

collection of abilities, methods, or processes for forming materials and creating things to

attain practical goals. This definition underscores the fundamental notion that humans

have created technology to achieve their objectives, emphasizing that technology is not

an end but rather a tool designed with specific purposes.

According to Martin Heidegger (1977), a German philosopher, technology is “not

an instrument”; it is a way of understanding the world; “not a human activity,” but

develops beyond human control; and “the highest danger,” risking us to see the world

only through technological thinking. However, Heidegger also claims that technology is
“a means to an end” and “a human activity.” In other words, technology is a tool that

humans use to achieve their goals. It is not an end in itself but rather a means to an

end.

For instance, companies should be thinking about what outcomes they want to

achieve out of technology instead of focusing on the technology itself. Technology is a

tool that helps us achieve our goals more efficiently and effectively. It is not the end itself

(Fine & Kanter, 2022).

Fundamentally, technology is a tool rather than a goal in and of itself. Technology

has been created, built, and continuously refined to meet a wide range of human

requirements, ranging from ancient instruments like the wheel to modern advancements

in artificial intelligence. Think about the following instances:

Medicine and Healthcare

In their article titled "Access to Medical Products, Vaccines, and Medical

Technologies," Stephen P. Marks and Adriana L. Benedict (2013) discuss the profound

impact of medical technology. They emphasize how diagnostic devices, cutting-edge

treatments, and life-saving vaccines have been developed to alleviate human suffering,

extend lifespans, and enhance overall well-being. These advancements aim to achieve
better health for humanity, underscoring the human-centric nature of medical

technology.

Communication

The paper "Smartphone: The Ultimate IoT and IoE Device" by Mehdia Ajana El

Khaddar and Mohammed Boulmalf (2017) highlights how these technologies empower

individuals to connect, share information, and collaborate across geographical

boundaries. This demonstrates that communication technology is crucial for fulfilling the

fundamental human goal of connection and information exchange.

Transportation

The article titled "Urban Public Transport Systems Innovations in the Era of the

Fourth Industrial Revolution: Perspectives, Reflections, and Conjectures" provides

insights into the impact of technology on transportation. The authors discuss how

innovations related to automobiles, airplanes, and public transportation systems have

significantly improved travel efficiency and accessibility. Furthermore, these

advancements have played a pivotal role in driving economic growth, promoting

tourism, and fostering cultural exchange, aligning with critical human goals. This

highlights the instrumental role of transportation technology in fulfilling diverse human

objectives and aspirations (Gumbo, Moyo, Ndwandwe, Risimati, & Mbatha, 2022).
Education

Educational technology, called EdTech, plays a transformative role in education

worldwide. EdTech encompasses a diverse array of tools and platforms that bring

learning resources to people globally (Escueta, Quan, Nickow, & Oreopoulos, 2017). It

enables personalized learning experiences, tailoring education to individual needs and

preferences. By doing so, EdTech broadens access to knowledge, breaking down

geographical and socioeconomic barriers, and aligns with the overarching objective of

achieving universal education (Boekweg, et al., 2021).

Energy

Renewable energy technologies, exemplified by solar panels and wind turbines,

represent a sustainable response to the world's energy needs. These technologies are

designed to harness clean, renewable energy sources, meeting human energy

requirements while mitigating environmental harm. By transitioning away from fossil

fuels, renewable energy technologies contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions

and combatting climate change, aligning with the imperative of preserving our planet for

future generations (Torkington, 2022).

These instances highlight the usage of technology to achieve humanity’s

objectives. Be it in the domains of medicine, communication, transportation, or

education, technology is meticulously employed to address the myriad needs and

aspirations of our species. Therefore, we can conclude that technology is indeed a

means to an end.

According to Steve Durbin (2021), the Chief Executive of Information Security

Forum, “Technology can empower us in many ways, and it can be an incredibly useful

multifaceted tool, but it is just a tool; it needs a person to wield it effectively”.

Furthermore, he stated that every product and service we develop fundamentally aims

to cater to human needs and desires and we must bear in mind that our endeavors are

fundamentally centered around people, not technology, as individuals are the core

driving force behind our actions.

In summary, technology is a tool that our species have cleverly created to

achieve their goals, improve their lives, and tackle significant challenges. It showcases

our innovation and ability to shape the world to meet our needs. We must remember our

duty to use technology responsibly and ethically as we work toward a future marked by

progress, unity, and a better quality of life for everyone.

References
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