Inventions and their Implications

What invention do you think has had the most positive impact on humanity? And which has made the most negative impact in your opinion?*

I think most inventions can be seen as neutral, but how we choose to utilize the invention determines what kinds of impact it will have. We also have to remember that how we choose to utilize the invention can bring about both positive and negative impacts simultaneously. For example, the automobile has enabled us to travel over great distances and has provided us the opportunity to increase trade but this act also has negative impacts such as pollution.*

There are some inventions that I do not think have any socially redeeming values and those inventions are weapons. I feel that the use and reliance on weapons ignores deeper societal problems and instead of trying to solve them we skip to the easier solution and turn to violence.*

 

I think there are too many to write down. Here's just a few:

• Internet and computers - Allows us to communicate, control things without any human element
• Toaster - Allows us to make toast, without having to put it over a fire

There are that many, I think they all serve a purpose. I don't really thing you can pick just a few that help.

 

I'd say the gun for negative. I know everything can be used as a weapon, but guns really accelerated the killing.

 

Boats/ships - Helped us discover new continents, to trade, both slaves and goods, to battle, and to travel.

 

the wheel anybody? simple machines started it all

 

Penicillin.

 

Computers - Extremely positive

Without computer systems we would have close to none of the technology we have in today's world. Almost everything we use has a computer inside of it controlling things. They have helped create large advances in medicine, and continue to help develop new things every day.

 

Definitely the gun, they're mostly used for the wrong reasons.
Also, the internet's a given, without that, imagine where the world would be without it.

 

The worst invention, imo, was the atomic bomb/hydrogen bomb. After we used it, other nations kept trying to get it. Now we're on the verge of going to war with Iran because they're consolidating their nuclear forces? shit.

On the positive side of the spectrum, I would say the internet is a pretty darn good invention.

 

Smart phones/Cell phones, we have a computer at the palm of our hands with Iphones/Androids/etc. and they are only getting more things added to them.

 

Methods of precessing energy contributed more than anything to the modern world.