Technological fix
Encyclopedia
A technological fix or technical fix refers to an engineering
or technical
solution to a problem caused by human nature
. Frequently the solution is an impractical and/or humorous proposal such as the Internet Protocol Evil bit
or the "suitable application of high explosives
" to interpersonal problems. However, it can be applied to practical solutions, such as the design of automobiles and highways to protect fallible drivers
.
While today's technically involved world often requires problem solving based on reductionistic analysis, engineering design principles, and computer-aided modeling, the quest for technology-based solutions dates from the earliest primitive attempts to increase human comfort and gain some control over the natural world. The term technological fix is most appropriately applied when considering certain types of problems--ones involving both technology and a human societal dimension. It can then be used to distinguish this family of solutions from a distinctly different family of solutions: those involving an attitudinal fix
.
As an example, consider the problem of childhood tooth decay. Those seeking a simple technological fix would advocate treating the community water supply with a low level of sodium fluoride; those pursuing a purely attitudinal fix would mount an educational campaign promoting good nutrition and encouraging parents to teach children to take better care of their teeth. An intermediate approach would be built around urging everyone to brush regularly with a fluoride based toothpaste.
Two groups can be considered out at the extremes in their approaches to solving such problems. Those possessing a technological fix mentality believe that technology is the key to solving most problems, conflicts, or unpleasant situations. Luddites, in contrast, with their distaste of technology, might tirelessly work to change attitudes and associated behaviors in their quest to solve societal problems--even when simple technological fixes to them are available. More typically, many problems are solved by intermediate approaches, employing both technological and attitudinal fixes.
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
or technical
Technology
Technology is the making, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems or methods of organization in order to solve a problem or perform a specific function. It can also refer to the collection of such tools, machinery, and procedures. The word technology comes ;...
solution to a problem caused by human nature
Human nature
Human nature refers to the distinguishing characteristics, including ways of thinking, feeling and acting, that humans tend to have naturally....
. Frequently the solution is an impractical and/or humorous proposal such as the Internet Protocol Evil bit
Evil bit
The evil bit is a fictional IPv4 packet header field proposed in RFC 3514, a humorous April Fools' Day RFC from 2003 authored by Steve Bellovin. The RFC recommended that the last remaining unused bit in the IPv4 packet header be used to indicate whether a packet had been sent with malicious intent,...
or the "suitable application of high explosives
Explosive material
An explosive material, also called an explosive, is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure...
" to interpersonal problems. However, it can be applied to practical solutions, such as the design of automobiles and highways to protect fallible drivers
Driving
Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a land vehicle, such as a car, truck or bus.Although direct operation of a bicycle and a mounted animal are commonly referred to as riding, such operators are legally considered drivers and are required to obey the rules of the road...
.
While today's technically involved world often requires problem solving based on reductionistic analysis, engineering design principles, and computer-aided modeling, the quest for technology-based solutions dates from the earliest primitive attempts to increase human comfort and gain some control over the natural world. The term technological fix is most appropriately applied when considering certain types of problems--ones involving both technology and a human societal dimension. It can then be used to distinguish this family of solutions from a distinctly different family of solutions: those involving an attitudinal fix
Attitudinal fix
An attitudinal fix refers to solving a problem or resolving a conflict by bringing about an attitude change. Persuasion, mediation, diplomacy, and consciousness raising campaigns are ways of doing this. Only problems or conflicts which involve feelings, emotions, and associated value...
.
As an example, consider the problem of childhood tooth decay. Those seeking a simple technological fix would advocate treating the community water supply with a low level of sodium fluoride; those pursuing a purely attitudinal fix would mount an educational campaign promoting good nutrition and encouraging parents to teach children to take better care of their teeth. An intermediate approach would be built around urging everyone to brush regularly with a fluoride based toothpaste.
Two groups can be considered out at the extremes in their approaches to solving such problems. Those possessing a technological fix mentality believe that technology is the key to solving most problems, conflicts, or unpleasant situations. Luddites, in contrast, with their distaste of technology, might tirelessly work to change attitudes and associated behaviors in their quest to solve societal problems--even when simple technological fixes to them are available. More typically, many problems are solved by intermediate approaches, employing both technological and attitudinal fixes.