Technology

- the tools and scientific understanding that is applied to do work.

- note that this category ties very closely to the nature of a society's intellectual life-- explored at the base of this page.

  • What forms of tools do people have to do their work? Are the tools “advanced” and productive or “backward” compared to the rest of the world’s tools?

  • Is the technology of this place ample and well integrated throughout the place and with other places outside its borders?

  • Is the use of "advanced" technology widespread, or are the best tools very rare to find?

  • Is this a "high-tech" society by comparison to other societies?

  • What relationship do people feel they have with the tools?-- dependence? control?

  • How are tools used in the military?

  • How important are the military tools/weapons for the society?

  • How does the use of tools impact society?

  • What role do educational institutions (private or government sponsored) play in changing the way people use tools to do their work? Innovate? -Is the education level and literacy rate of the people here (and the number of schools and universities) at a level adequate enough to promote growth and advancement?

  • How might the improvement of technology be helped or hindered by quality of "intellectual life" in the society?

•Definition of Technology

•Effects on Society

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Intellectual Life:

  • What is emphasized in one's "education?"

  • What are the major influences upon what is taught and how it is taught?

  • How widespread is "scholarship"?

  • How is education supported and carried out?

  • Who/ What funds and runs educational institutions and why? How strong and widespread are those institutions and what is their mission?

  • What is essential for acquiring a "valuable" education? And do there exist impediments/ obstacles to getting an education?

  • What status and power do the educators hold in society?

  • Is it "cool" to be educated? Educated in WHAT FIELDS?

  • How vibrant and strong are any of the following as parts of education? -- scientific teachings, religious teachings, expectations related to one's gender or age, achieving economic advantages....

  • To what degree is there a tolerance for conflicting ideas and ways of doing things? Are people accepting of a variety of approaches?

  • To what degree does the pursuit of science, philosophy, artistic beauty, spiritual fulfilment compete for resources with the pursuit of other goals in society (economic gain, conquering territory, basic survival, conformity, unity...?)

  • Are there intellectual abilities that contribute to one's success and esteem and power in the society?