Science and technologies in the modern world

Science (Latin scientia, from scire, " to know") is a term used in its broadest meaning to denote systematized knowledge in any field. The term “Technology” is derived from the Greek words tekhne, which refers to an art or craft, and logia, meaning an area of study; thus, technology means, literally, the study, or science, of crafting.

Many historians of science argue not only that technology is an essential condition of advanced, industrial civilization but also that the rate of technological change has developed its own momentum in recent centuries. Innovations now seem to appear at a rate that increases geometrically, without respect to geographical limits or political systems.

The 20th century gave us a plenty of things that improve our lives: TV, calculators, mobile phones, CDs... It also gave us some household objects that make our lives easier and more comfortable.

TV. A Russian engineer Vladimir Zvorykin emigrated to the USA and there in 1931 produced an apparatus that later became known as a television set. The first TV station was located on the Empire State Building in New York City. The programmes could be watched only by those who lived not farther than 60 miles from the station.

Video. In 1975 the Japanese corporation JVC made it possible to record films and TV programmes at home. The system was known as VHS (Video Home System).

Computer. The first computers were huge. They were used for scientific purposes. Sinklair ZX 80, the 1980 machine, was the first computer used by ordinary people. Psion Organizer of 1990s shifted computers off the desktop.

Internet. The global network was designed for serious scientific purposes. In 1962 the US scientists started to build a network between the leading scientific centres of the USA. In 1969 this network joined four universities. In 1972 the first e-mail with the symbol @ was sent.

Mobile phone now used by millions of people appeared in 1973.

The American Martin Cooper invented the first mobile phone — Motorola Dyna-Tec. It weighed a kilo. But it took five years to draw in a commercial operator from Bahrein. Now mobile phones have made a massive impact on social and working activities and changed the way we communicate.

Compact Disc from the 1980s brought an end to vinyl records and revolutionized the storage of computer data.

Digital Watch appeared in 1970 on Roger Moore's wrist in the Bond film " Live and Let Die". It brought computer technology into everyday life.

Contact lenses. The first contact lenses were made from plastic in 1936 in New York. But only thanks to new materials and developed technologies there appeared soft lenses that let oxygen to the eyes.

Trainers. The first trainers were designed by Adolf and Rudolf Dessler right after WWII. Canvas and rubber soles were used to make them. Later the brothers went each his own way. In 1949 Adolf patented his trainers under the name " Adidas". This is the world famous firm now. The first three letters stand for Adi — a short form of Adolf as the last three letters represent the beginning of the surname. The second brother established his own company " Puma".

Plastic bag represents the beginning of the " plastic age" and arriving of the disposable society. It replaced shopping baskets and cloth bag. Technology has always been a major means for creating new physical and human environments. But it has been very difficult in practice, however, to predict secondary effects of new technologies. We must always remember that technology can be conceive as both a creative and a destructive process.

It is possible to ask today whether technology will also destroy the global civilization that human beings have created.