Investigating the Past to See Technology’s Future

As I sat in the audience at the recent history of technology symposium at MIT, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. The room was filled with scholars from all over the world, each with their own unique perspective on the intersection of science, technology, and society. The symposium was a chance for these experts to share their ideas and insights, and to explore the future of their field.

The future of technology is being shaped by the past

The symposium was organized by the MIT Program in Science, Technology, and Society (STS), and featured a range of presentations on topics such as the history of automotive wiring diagrams, social technology, and the impact of mass extinction on the history of technology. Each speaker brought their own unique perspective to the table, and the discussions that followed were lively and thought-provoking.

“We’re pleased to provide a venue in which these kinds of conversations can occur,” said Deborah Fitzgerald, STS program head and former dean of MIT’s School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

Deborah Fitzgerald addresses attendees during the Symposium on the History of Technology at MIT’s Tang Auditorium

The symposium was a chance for scholars to come together and share their ideas, and to explore the future of their field. As Merritt Roe Smith, MIT Professor and Leverett Howell and William King Cutten Professor of the History of Technology, noted, “Seeing the future through the lens of our shared pasts adds an important perspective on current innovations.”

The symposium was held at MIT’s Tang Auditorium

One of the most interesting presentations was by David Lucsko, professor of history at Auburn University. His talk, “How Things Work and Why It Matters - or, Why Poring over Automotive Wiring Diagrams from the 1970s Isn’t Actually a Colossal Waste of Time,” was a fascinating exploration of the importance of understanding the history of technology.

Understanding the history of technology is crucial for its future development

As I left the symposium, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and optimism. The future of technology is being shaped by the past, and it’s up to us to ensure that we learn from our mistakes and successes. By exploring the history of technology, we can gain a deeper understanding of the present and a clearer vision of the future.

The symposium was a chance for scholars to come together and share their ideas