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Technology

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Technology is the field that applies science to solve problems with an industrial and/or commercial end in mind. Engineering applies human traits such as imagination, judgement, and intellectual discipline to existing human knowledgebases to create or utilize technology safely and efficiently.

For example: All buildings require the use of technology of some sort. A persistent artistic expression requires materials to be formed, and exactly how to create those materials requires some rudimentary understanding of their chemical and physical properties. Architecture requires an understanding of the effects of weather and other natural forces, in addition to some knowledge of the strengths of the materials used.

The term technology is usually used to explain new inventions and gadgets using recently derived scientific principles and processes. However, even very old inventions such as the wheel are, technically speaking, technology.

Early or prehistoric advances in technology or fundamental tools.

More recent tools that are fundamental to modern technology

Modern major fields of technology

See also: Technology Assessment, Timeline of Inventions


What are our priorities for writing in this area? To help develop a list of the most basic topics in technology, please see Technology basic topics.