Abstract
dc:description.abstractScholars in science and technology studies have long been concerned with a variety of issues revolving around technological change, such as explaining the origins of technological innovation and arguing for or against technological determinism. This thesis reviews a number of theoretical models developed by historians, philosophers, sociologists, and other scholars to explain technological change. A case study of technological innovations in industnal forestry and timber harvesting practices provides a basis for a critique of these previously proposed models and for an argument for a new model. This model, an ecological model, suggests homeostatic pressures play a major role in the innovative processes within any technological system.
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Science
- Level thesis:degree_level
- masters
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Science and Technology Studies
- Department dc:contributor.department
- Science and Technology Studies
- Grantor dc:publisher
- Virginia Tech
- Year dc:date.issued
- 1990
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Männikkö, Nancy Farm
- Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
-
- Pitt, Joseph C.
- Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
-
- Hirsh, Richard F.
- Stuart, William B.
- Paterson, Robert A.
Rights
dc:rights- Statement dc:rights
-
- In Copyright
- Licence dc:rights.uri
- Language dc:language.iso
- en
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- Dc Identifier Other
- etd-08252008-162946
- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/34764