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I find it interesting that the author did not list “writing” as one of those technologies that is not value neutral. Writing basically allowed the creation of
by RcouF1uZ4gsC 4y ago
I find it interesting that the author did not list “writing” as one of those technologies that is not value neutral.
Writing basically allowed the creation of the bureaucratic state. Without writing/record keeping, large organizations are pretty much impossible.
- goodpoint 4y agoIf writing fits your definition of "technology" then the word loses every meaning.
- _Algernon_ 4y agoI don't see how a definition of technology that does not encompass writing could ever be useful.
- inglor_cz 4y agoNot the OP, but permanent record of past events is definitely a technology, regardless if the underlying medium is papyrus or a solid state drive. Much like a weapon covers a wide spectrum of sophistication, from a crude wooden club to HIMARS. For vast majority of our species' existence, we had no ability to record events permanently, and, as the OP says, this technology enabled the first states to collect taxes and grow beyond a certain natural modest size.