> Backtracking somewhat I might agree (that eyes are tools and thus
> represent the same, or similar, "technology" which produces other
> tools... wrenches, hammers, etc.). Except, the nature of technology
> changes AFTER the point at which technology produces such institutions
> (schools, homes, churches... eyes, immune systems, etc.).
Much like a biological systems environment changes as soon as a new 'technology'/'specialization' is introduced? The 'course of evolution' (hate to use the term, but unless something new is introduced, things just get 'better', a course, of course, but no one can talk to a horse) is always changing direction AFTER a new tool is introduced (toxins? i have a solution, anti-toxins).
> The nature of technology ultimately becomes defined as the process of
> creating the IMPLEMENTS of a SOCIETY (by which such prior systems--
> biological and otherwise-- are augmented). And so, to the extent that
> technology might be defined BY these products, such technology is
> further distinguished by its relationship TO these systems.
Agreed. We're not going to have Snorgaborf antibodies until we are introduced to a Snorgaborf virus (or whatever). We are not going to develop anti-ray gun shields until we develop ray guns. I would say that technology grows in relationship to other techonolgies. I would also say that techonogy evolves in its system of 'the real world'. But I would also say the same of memes, birds, fairy tales, and software.
> Thus, "technology" as it is popularly used (to refer to the mechanical
> argumentations of one's body and the way these might be viewed as things
> which are separate from the people who produce them)-- that is,
> *technology* which relates to the artifacts of a SOCIETY-- takes on a
> different meaning AT A CERTAIN POINT... beyond which, looking backward,
> we may be hardpressed to define the process as being one and the same.
Maybe a different word is in order. So there is no miscommunication. I'm not sure if there is one already floating around, or if it is quite an obvious choice. Anyone?