The Principle of Technological Change by Neil Postman

Thamus was the emperor of Egypt city. In the city of Egypt there was a well known / prominent god theuth who invented calculation, numbers, geomety, astronomy and writing. Thamus demonstrates consideration towards the theuth inventions. Theuth attempts to demonstrate lord Thames to change the culture of verbal ritual to written rituals which will play an important role in enhancing the standards of Egyptians. Thamus opposed theuth’s statement by responding that the new medium will make individuals less insightful in light of the fact that they won’t depend on their brains, rather they will rely on writing to bring things in recollection and believes it will be a burden to the society.

Postman claims that every technology is both a burden and a blessing depending on the usage. For eg-Weapons are an innovation that are intended to hurt individuals, yet whether they are utilized for safeguarding oneself or assaulting another is totally up to the user. He further describes that there are many “one-eyed prophets”who see just what new advancements can do and are unequipped for envisioning what they will fix. Postman refers the judgement of Thames to elucidate few prepositions regarding the critique of writing, the condemnation of writing by Thamus and how it has changed the field of current science and innovation. Additionally, he certifies that when another innovation turns out it will play out the reason for which it was made and our assignment is to comprehend its outline, as we grasp it with eyes completely open. Among the numerous advancements Postman considers, three of intrigue are: the PC, the printing press, and the TV.

Another primary subject of Postman's writing is that new advancement in technologies subvert old knowledge, frequently by changing who approaches it. He gives a case of how Gutenberg's development of the printing press made it feasible for families to possess their very own bible (rather than hearing it at chapel), and this made “every Christian his very own theologian”, which means they could decipher the bible in their own specific manner, in manners that could be contrary to the official elucidation given by the church. He expresses that "new technologies compete with old ones — for time, for attention, for money, for prestige, however for the most part for dominance of their world view”.

Postman favors a moderate innovative change which will make it workable for individuals initially to comprehend the innovation before they can grasp it. He has endeavoured to challenge Plato's work in his examination of the Phaedrus. He utilizes this book to expel the Theuth's equation for acquiring memory and knowledge. Postman attempts to persuade the peruser that the innovation of writing is an approach to advance recollection and not a memory which is in opposition to Theuth's sentiments. Writing gives a powerful method to recollect things utilizing outer signs and as opposed to utilizing the inside assets. He is surprised by how technology is so unpredictable and the affects it has on general public.

Lastly, “Any new change in technology does not add or subtract anything. It changes everything”. Thus, Postman suggests that technology has become a part of ecosystem and made people life easier and become exceptionally reliant on it.he also talks about how technological creations can alter a human ecosystem and perceptions around. Just like how an adult keeps growing in different surroundings and become developed and matured along with the concept of reality being differed.