Course detail

The target of the subject is to get the students familiar with the history of technology and the circumstances, in which the most important innovations began, as well as with the philosophy and ethical issues of the technology and engineering activities.

The information transferred should provide the students with the knowledge about the amazing drama hidden behind an apparently cold and non-personal phenomenon of technology. The purpose is to establish links to the specific engineering subjects and to other branches of the culture.

The subject knowledge on the Bachelor´s degree level is requested.

The subject History and Philosophy of Technology represents an introduction into the particular stages of development of the material culture, crafts and the technology, in steps from the earliest times across the antiquity until the end of the 19th century. The stress is laid especially on the most decisive chapters of the history of engineering development, such as the helenistic mechanics, the industrial revolution, the beginnings and the use of electrical energy and telecommunications. All the above is complemented with cultural, philosophical and religious context of the respective period.

Teaching methods depend on the type of course unit as specified in the article 7 of BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations.

Requirements for completion of a course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every.

The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year.

Karel Zeithammer: Vývoj techniky