History and Evolution of Engineering and Technology

Introduction

Technology has evolved over time and has an associated impact to human civilizations. Look at the graph below to see a representation of the growth over time of human progress with regard to engineering and technological development. Notice the positive correlation of human progress with technological development. One can see that increasing human progress is directly related to the evolution of engineering and improved technologies.

Consider, what makes a technological innovation notable over time?

Then think about this, which innovation had greater impact to its society:

Either spears in Germany during the Paleolithic era or the personal computer during the Information Age?

And also consider:

Either Rowing oars in China during the Neolithic era or the early 1900s invention of Bakelite (predecessor to plastics) in New York?

All of these innovations in technology and engineering practices drastically altered the societies where they were introduced. Certainly today we would state both the spears and oars for rowing were less significant than plastic or personal computer. However, the spears allowed growth and development of civilizations because spears were vital weapons and hunting tools for that particular time period. Likewise, oars were significant to allow long range shipping, discovery, and commerce. Would worldwide society have developed to the present day Information Age without tools enabling hunting, weapons for protection, shipping, discovery, and commerce? Not very likely.

Each major innovation had worldwide impact that actually led to the improved quality of life which affected much of humanity. These changes, of course, enabled further growth in those societies. The evolution of these more advanced societies drove for further and additional technological development. This continued growth in technological societies resulted in further improvement of human lives. One can see this trend in the graph above.

You will learn about the history of technology and will develop an understanding of the impacts on its own society for innovations of the past, present, and future. You will study the evolution of engineering and learn about engineers who have made significant contributions to societies overall. You will consider and understand the relationship of governmental and political drivers on technological development. You will also realize ethical and professional responsibilities of engineers.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

Key innovators.jpg information age.jpg Impacts of Government and Poltics.jpg

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