In the age of AI, we’re more aware than ever of how technology influences history and vice versa. In 1985, Dr. Melvin Kranzberg, a professor of the History of Technology at Georgia Institute of Technology, presented his Six Laws of Technology offering a nuanced take on technology's role in history. Kranzberg challenged the simplistic view of technology as either a purely positive or negative force. He argued that it’s a "very human activity" intricately intertwined with our values, beliefs, and choices. In this two-part Biz-eWerk podcast, we’ll discuss relatable examples of everyday tech to illustrate the impact of advancements from the perspective of Kranzberg’s Six Laws. From adjusting rabbit ears on TVs to relying on GPS navigation we’ll review the rapid evolution of technology within a single lifetime.

(For more information about the Six Laws, check out the article referenced in this episode, The Six Laws of Technology Everyone Should Know by Christopher Mims in The Wall Street Journal)