Topic > The Principle of Technological Change by Neil Postman

Thamus was the emperor of the city of Egypt. In the city of Egypt there was a well-known and important god, Theuth, who invented calculus, numbers, geometry, astronomy and writing. Thamus shows consideration towards real inventions. Theuth attempts to prove to Lord Thames to change the culture of verbal ritual to written rituals which will play an important role in improving the standards of the Egyptians. Thamus countered Theuth's statement by replying that the new medium will make people less perceptive in light of the fact that they will not depend on their brains, rather they will rely on writing to remember things and believes it will be a burden on the world. society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayPostman argues that every technology is both a burden and a blessing depending on its use. For example, weapons are an innovation intended to hurt people, but whether they are used to protect oneself or attack another is entirely up to the user. He also describes that there are many “one-eyed prophets” who see exactly what new advances can do and are not equipped to imagine what they will solve. Postman refers to the Thames ruling to clarify some prepositions regarding the criticism of writing, Thamus' condemnation of writing, and how it has changed the field of current science and innovation. Furthermore, it certifies that when another innovation comes out, it will reveal the purpose for which it was created and our job is to understand its contours, as we grasp it with eyes wide open. Among the numerous advances considered by Postman, three interesting ones are: the PC, the printing press and the TV. Another main argument of Postman's writings is that new advances in technologies subvert old knowledge, often changing who approaches it. He gives an example of how Gutenberg's development of the printing press made it possible for families to own their own Bible (instead of listening to it in chapel), and this made "every Christian his own theologian", meaning they could decipher the Bible. Bible in their own specific way, in ways that may be contrary to the official elucidation given by the church. He states that “new technologies compete with old ones – for time, for attention, for money, for prestige, but above all for the dominance of their worldview.” Postman advocates for moderate innovative change that will make it workable for people initially to understand the innovation before they can grasp it. He attempted to challenge Plato's work in his examination of the Phaedrus. Use this book to expel Theuth's equation for the acquisition of memory and knowledge is an approach to promote remembrance and not a memory that is in opposition to Theuth's feelings. Writing offers a powerful method for remembering things using external signs instead of using internal resources. He is surprised by how technology is so unpredictable and how it affects the general public. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Finally, “Every new change in technology neither adds nor subtracts anything. It changes everything." Therefore, Postman suggests that technology has become part of the ecosystem and has made people's lives easier and have become exceptionally dependent on it. It also talks about how technological creations can alter the human ecosystem and surrounding perceptions. Just like an adult continues to grow in different environments and develops and matures along with the concept of.