Abstract:

Technology is widely assumed to be one of the most important drivers of change in contemporary society. But historians of technology suggest that culture and technology are interlocked in the process of shaping the worldwe live in. We are not comfortable with the assumption, widely held in many quarters that modern technology acts as an independent and powerful variable. To be sure, technology *helps* change our world -- but thecauses of change are more complicated than usually assumed and always linked to the society from which technology emerges. This talk will explore this situation and propose that while people and organizations canwork to develop the technologies they *want*, society will always end up with the technologies it *deserves*.

About the Speaker:

Prof.Bruce Seely is Dean of the College of Science and Arts, and Professor of History and STS at Michigan Technological University. He is a historian of technology who joined Michigan Tech in the fall 1986 after teaching atTexas A&M University for five years. He has taught courses in history of technology, as well in American history, Western Civilization, history of science, and science and technology studies. Recently he has helpeddevelop Michigan Tech’s undergraduate minor and graduate certificate in nanoscale science and engineering, developing a course in the societal implications of nanotechnology. His research topics are eclectic, andinclude the history of engineering and engineering education; transportation history and policy, including highways and railroads with a focus on engineers and policy decisions; the history of the iron and steelindustry during the 19th and 20th centuries; and technology transfer and diffusion. He has authored two books, a dozen books chapters, more than 40 articles; and numerous contributions to historical encyclopedias; editedan encyclopedia volume, and presented almost 100 conference and colloquia papers.Prof. Seely served as Michigan Tech’s University Senate President (1997-2000) and as Social Sciences Department Chair (2002-2008). He has held a number of positions in professional organizations, includingSecretary of the Society for the History of Technology (1990-1995), Program Director for Science and Technology Studies at the National Science Foundation, (2000-2002); and member and co-chair of the HistoryCommittee of the Transportation Research Board of the National Research Council (1999-2008). He is founding co-editor of the Journal ComparativeTechnology Transfer and Society, published by Johns Hopkins University Press (2003-2009).