Death by Design

Death by Design

Technology has had a huge impact on how we as human beings perform our daily duties. It has made our work easier, allowed us to explore in other part of the world, and helped us to conquer diseases, advance our military equipment’s and even predict future events. Unfortunately, technology has also made people to suffer, more so the poor who are disadvantaged through their financial status. Most of the technological innovations that have been designed are often too expensive but are made to be extremely important have in daily activities. For example, the mobile phone, this exemplary innovation eased up communication but was and still is an expensive device (Eric 71).

Langdon Winner, a political theorist provided one of the clearest arguments against the moral neutrality of technological artifacts. He argues that the value of the artifact created arises only when in use rather than in creation. In addition, technology on its own is neutral it only get its evilness from the user. The user defines the purpose of his creation by either doing well or evil using it. Winner gives the example of guns (Eric 77). The slogan Guns do not kill people; people kill people it is explained where a criminal uses a gun, it is then used to glorify evil but when someone who is trying to defend himself from burgers, then the gun is used in good faith.

Albert Speer, the artiest of the Nazi death camps was proud of his achievements during the war. He explained that he was only concerned with pleasing his master, Hitler. Morals and political events did not bother him. Michael Allen, a historian has tried to put a point where he stated that no difference with the Third Reich regime who made technological preference based on efficiency alone and the Nazi fanaticism who made decisions siding with the pursuit of social and political ends.

Ideological considerations brought the selection of modern sewing machine technology in the SS industry. The machines helped in production but unfortunately, it elevated the levels of unemployment (Eric 291). The uprising caused by the early Weimer years pushed for the economic stability in the 1920s. The sewing machine brought a new gender debate where it was seen as a woman’s tool since it did not require many skills to operate it.

The German punching and sorting machine, the Hollerith machine was designed for the United States census by IBM. The machine sorted the Jews from the Germans and assisted the Germans to identify their targets during the genocide. IBM proved their innocence in their participation of the genocide since they were just following good business practice by finding a solution to a problem through technology. They explained that their intention was to make an impact in the construction, transport industry and the complete German economy.

The machine actively brought its vision in action. They had a solution to every problem as long as they were offered cash. It helped the Germans identify the Jews using their names assisting the Nazi’s in their operations although not intentional. They never sold the machines to anyone rather they leased them and maintained them while showing their clients how to use them since they were sophisticated. The machines gave way for the invention of the computer that we use today; unfortunately, it also created a dark history for the Jewish people.

Works Cited

Katz, Eric. Death by design, Science, Technology and Engineering in Nazi Germany. New Jersey. Pearson Longman.

 
Death by Design

Is this question part of your Assignment?

We can help

Our aim is to help you get A+ grades on your Coursework.

We handle assignments in a multiplicity of subject areas including Admission Essays, General Essays, Case Studies, Coursework, Dissertations, Editing, Research Papers, and Research proposals

Header Button Label: Get Started NowGet Started Header Button Label: View writing samplesView writing samples