Stefan Moscalu

Technological Momentum, by Thomas P. Hughes, advances the discussion of social constructivists and technological determinists. By introducing a new concept, technological momentum Hughes is able to advance his argument. With the use of detailed examples and cause & effect examination, Hughs states that technological momentum provides a more flexible mode of interpretation. In effect, his argument represents the history of large technological systems as compared to technological determinists and social constructivists. Through a compare and contrast analysis of a technological system, The Electric Bond and Share Company (EBASCO), Hughes applies and scrutinizes the views of technological determinism and social constructivists as not being able to comprehend the complexity of EBASCO. He states that neither proponents of technological determinism nor social constructivists can provide full explanations for the evolution of technological systems due to narrow mind sets. EBASCO, to Hughes and his concept of technological momentum, was shaped by social pressures and demand. However, as the EBASCO grew larger over time in terms of investment and physical size it became easier to build around the edges. This technological momentum quickly overcame societys original influences and began to slowly influence its environment as society began to shape itself around electricity. With this example, Hughes defended that the interaction of technological systems with society is not symmetrical over time, thus no one group social constructivists nor technical determinists- could be completely correct. Stating that that social constructivists have a key understanding to understanding the behavior of young systems while technical determinists understand mature ones After EBASCO, Hughes continues to run through a broader range of cause-and-effect scenarios for a multitude of technological systems; disregarding the sole interpretations of technological determinists and social constructivists completely. By examining the technological systems in this fashion, he effectively fortifies his theory of technological momentum as universal through every scenario . Through one scenario, The Muscle Shoals Dam (later named Wilson Dam), Hughes traced the creation of the Shoals Dam to World War I and then effectively link its physical presence after the end of World War I to lingering technological momentum. He then argued that this momentum acted like a magnet that transformed the Muscle Shoals Dam into the original component in a hydroelectric power,

flood-control, soil-reclamation, and regional development project of enormous scope preside over by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Through cause-and effect examination of historic examples, he successfully backed his assertion his theory of technological moment provides a more flexible mode of interpretation for technological systems that lies in accordance with history. His theory stands as a median to the polar opposites of technologic momentum and social constructivists and thus can encompass, with a higher degree of accuracy, an array of technological systems.