Author(s)

Haoxiong Zou

Corresponding Author

Haoxiong Zou

Abstract

Living in a modern society dominated by technological progress, we still fail to precisely define the term “technology”. This ambiguity in definition remains ostensibly irrelevant to the majority of both producers and consumers. But at its core, this situation is analogous to technology producers attempting to steer a boat in an accelerating current blindfolded with consumers as their passengers. As a result, many boats have perished, forcing passengers to abandon ship while causing immeasurable waste in time, money, and resources. This paper attempts to clearly define a universal concept of technology in both animals and humans. The critical characteristics of this definition are then discussed extensively. Based on this general definition, unique features of human technology use are coherently isolated and examined throughout the development of human civilization. In the context of modern society, a Quasi-Equilibrium Model of Technological Development (QEMTD) is derived on the basis of previous deductions and analyses. Finally, the qualitative and quantitative application of QEMTD is explained and explored via the example of cell phone technology.

Keywords

Definition of technology; technological development; technological innovation