No less than 750 words
Technology is often the product of people and their circumstances, yet its influence also far surpasses its immediate environment. This understanding of technology helps to explain the resulting changes to human behavior that occur over time, especially when one considers the historical periods involved in the development and distributions of specific technologies.
In keeping with the idea that some technologies may possess inherent value-laden qualities, consider how the invention of mechanized timekeeping devices (such as the mechanical clock) have radically changed human behavior over the last 1000 years.
For this paper, explain the historical context and cultural traditions which led to the development of the mechanical clock. Do research on how the development and adoption of the mechanical clock in Europe later affected the United States. Be sure to give examples. Then, consider experiences with a form of artifactual timekeeping. Consider the influence that precision in accurate timekeeping has had upon human behavior, both in everyday life and in engineering.
Required Reading/Citation: (Attached File)
Lewis Mumford, “Technics and Civilization” Sec. 1-3 – “The Monastery and the Clock”
In this paper, be sure to:
1. Describe the history of the mechanical clock, including at least one influence that led to its development (e.g., historical, cultural, religious, social, economic, political).
2. Explain how the mechanical clock gave rise to the concept of artifactual time.
3. Explain how precision in accurate timekeeping affected human behavior in both Europe and the United States. Give examples.
4. Think about how artifactual timekeeping has affected human behavior, both in everyday life and in engineering. That is, consider the importance of measuring time with accuracy and precision that makes possible the training of an engineer.
PLEASE DO NOT USE FOLLOWING SOURCE:
“The Invention of the Mechanical Clock and Perceptions of Time in the 13th15th
Centuries”, by Mehitabel Glenhaber (2014), from The Concord Review.
Focus
Write a paper that addresses the questions above. When responding to these questions, be specific and cite specific details from the file attached and additional sources. Also, cite your sources in your response and include a reference list at the end of the paper. Citations must be from reputable sources. Sites like Wikipedia, about.com, etc. are NOT considered acceptable sources.
Also please read and follow Rubric below, make sure to answer the 4 questions above in detail and with specifics
Formatting
Arial 12pt. MLA or APA
