DTC 101: 9am Homework #1

I agree with Stephen J. Kline’s statement that “Sociotechnical system of manufacture and sociotechnical systems of use, form the physical bases of all human societies past and present”. Sociotechnical systems and technologies are truly the bases of society, in the past largely this systems were to survive, but looking towards the present interestingly humans often rely on technologies for entertainment. Our sociotechnical systems are so advanced and efficient that humans become bored, which motivate them to create and use technologies. In the past, humans evolved to be bipedal have opposable thumbs for the key purpose to manipulate their environment to survive. In the animal kingdom humans are at a disadvantage because while other animals have strong teeth and jaws, and claws, human’s main advantage is their intelligence and opposable thumbs. These two characteristics are what humans must rely on to survive, instead of using physical attributes to hunt, humans had to craft weapons and develop systems in which to hunt. Even tools so primitive as a spear, can be considered human technology as it is used to extend human capabilities. In a more present society, human technology has far surpassed those of other animals, that humans no longer create technology on the basis of survival, but instead to improve upon technologies to survive more efficiently. For example basic trading among tribes of people has developed to currencies giving human technologies value in a system so advanced that there is now international trade. Kline expands upon his statement that “without sociotechnical system of use the manufacture of hardware would have no purpose”. The human technological creations are so advanced that often the purpose of creating hardware is simply for a hobby. Interestingly human’s sociotechnical systems have branched from being used for purpose of survival to creating technology for entertainment. Kline’s idea of sociotechnical systems of use accurately define the basis of human society.