Key Issues
One of the central questions of the history of technology is the extent to which technologies affect the rest of human experience. "Does Technology Drive History"," in the words of some recent authors. As an introduction to this issue, read the classic article by economist and economic historian Robert L. Heilbroner, "Do Machines Make History?" which you will find in the "Course Reserves" section of the HIST206 ELMS site. You will also find on the ELMS site--in the "Course Documents" section, a much more recent commentary on this question in the form of a book review in the New Yorker Magazine.
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When
you come to section, bring a couple of paragraphs discussing the arguments made by Heilbroner. How would you answer the question posed in his title? Note that his article appeared in the late 1960s. Jill Lepore's article, on the other hand, appeared in 2008 -- comment on how perspectives have changed in the 40 years intervening. Why?
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