In the introductory chapter of the Murphy and Potts reading, it was quite interesting to read about the relationship between culture and technology. Both these words are thrown around quite frequently, and as I was reading I realised that I would struggle to give a specific definition of each. Luckily, the reading covered these, even if the definitions themselves were quite general.

So what is technology? I like the definition by Lorenzo Simpson included in the reading:

That constellation of knowledge, processes, skills and products whose aim is to control and transform.

This definition is very broad in order to include the many aspects of political, economic, and cultural life that are a part of the contemporary world we live in. As the definition shows, technology is something that is used for a purpose.

It can refer to a large systems and processes, or it can also relate to the latest in electronics. However, in whatever context the term is used, technology is always used for a purpose. It is used to control objects, or to transform them.

How about culture? Culture is a harder one to pin down. Not only is it always changing over time, but it means different things to different people groups. The definition given by Brian Eno in the reading would have to be one of the clearest definitions I’ve heard:

He defines culture as ‘everything we do not have to do’

Think about that for a moment. There are certain things that we have to do to survive, and then culture comes into the equation when we take those things to town, so-to-speak.

Food is a necessity, yet eating at a fine restaurant is not a must. We need to keep warm or stay cool, but the brand name clothing we buy to do that is not as important. Everyone has to drink fluids, but if you choose to drink alcohol, juice, or coffee, you’ve acted out of your own free will.

There are some things in life that you just have to do, but everything over and above these could be classed in the culture category.