10 Pillars: Tree of Human Knowledge

Technology, in its broadest meaning, is the physical objects, methods, and processes created and used by humans for practical and functional purposes. The term “technology” refers in pillar 9 to human-based technology. Animal-based technology is studied by the biological sciences (see cat. 5.2)

Theory (cat. 9.1) explores the philosophy and history of technology.

Professions focuses on technology-based professions, mainly engineering.

Technologies explore the diversified human-based technologies. They include the body of knowledge related to all the discovered, invented, developed, and used technologies in all civilizations throughout human history. The category encompasses human-made physical objects and processes, research methodologies, scientific applications, and production techniques. It embraces the computer you use, the chair you sit on, the glass you hold in your hand, and the bread you eat.

Division. Human-based technologies are divided into four main sub-categories: sciences (9.3.1), needs and activities (9.3.2), materials (9.3.3), and processes (9.3.4). Classifying technologies by the four characteristics emerges as the most significant classification and represent established fields of knowledge.

Sciences explores technologies that are grounded in and centered on specific sciences. These technologies are the technological counterparts of the related sciences. In fact, all the natural and life sciences presented in pillars 3 through 6 (e.g., physics, chemistry, astronomy, geography, geology, agriculture, biology, veterinary, medicine) and mathematics have technological counterparts.

Needs and activities explores technologies that center on specific human needs and activities. These technologies are the technological counterparts of the related sciences. In fact, many social sciences and humanities presented in pillars 1, 2, 7, 8, and 10 (e.g., information science, museology, mysticism and religion, security, education, transportation, communication, recreation and sports, the arts, history, and archaeology) have technological counterpart

Materials explores technologies centered on specific natural or human-made materials that are used for diverse purposes.

Processes explores technologies centered on specific processes that are used for diverse purposes. (C. Zins, 2011).