How do we define and categorize technology?

  • Thread starter Thread starter shivaniits
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Technology
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and categorization of technology, specifically focusing on the term "semiconductor technology." Participants explore various interpretations and implications of this term, considering its usage in different contexts such as marketing and technical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether "semiconductor technology" should refer to the processing of semiconductor materials for high-performance electronic devices or the use of semiconductor devices for information processing.
  • Another participant suggests that "semiconductor technology" is often defined by marketing, implying it can mean whatever companies want it to mean, encompassing a wide range of activities related to semiconducting materials.
  • A third participant argues that defining or categorizing "semiconductor technology" is challenging due to its broad scope, citing numerous articles and resources that illustrate its complexity.
  • One participant emphasizes that the interpretation of "semiconductor technology" can vary based on perspective and marketing strategies, indicating a subjective nature to its definition.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that "semiconductor technology" is a broad and vague term that can be interpreted in multiple ways, particularly influenced by marketing strategies. However, there is no consensus on a singular definition or categorization.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations in defining "semiconductor technology," including its dependence on context, marketing implications, and the vast array of topics it encompasses.

shivaniits
Messages
38
Reaction score
0
how do we define and categorize technology..??

there are presently different aspects in which the technologies are discussed


if i say semiconductor technology then should it mean..
1) technology that processes semiconductor materials to get high performance electronic devices..??
2) technology that uses semiconductor devices to get their information processed..??
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF;
The "xyz technology" is most often a media/marketing useage and, therefore, means pretty much whatever the marketing folk want it to. It would refer to product that has something to do with the label.

Per your example, "semiconductor technology" would be anything that is involved with the the making, modification, usage, and knowledge of tools, machines, techniques, crafts, systems, and methods of organization, etc concerning semiconducting materials.

This is not restricted to information processing or even "high performance" electronics.

Note: There is a field in social sciences called "technology" though, also called STS.
 
The term "semiconductor technology" is practically impossible to define or to catagorize. It encompasses so many aspects that it defies quantification. For example, using Google Search and the terms "semiconductor technology" we find twenty-eight different Wiki pages are in this category:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Semiconductor_technology

Here there are around one hundred separate articles on the subject of “semiconductor technology”
http://phys.org/tags/semiconductor+technology/

So why the need to define and catagorize the subject?

Bobbywhy
 
hello
amm..so i guess it all depends on perspective and the matter in which the label is associated with the company..and we could say it anything and it all depends on the marketing strategy...
correct me if i am wrong thanks..!
 
shivaniits, You are exactly correct: the term "semiconductor technology" is so broad and so vague that it can mean whatever the marketing strategy desires it to mean. You've got it!

Bobbywhy
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
7K
Replies
7
Views
3K