Abstract

"Technological Development in History". From its origins, the human species has been characterized by its ability to develop tools and artifacts of various kinds. This article provides an introduction to the question about the logic of technological development in Western history. The central question that the article addresses is: "are techniques developed through the revolutionary or evolutionary path?" Does it progress through sudden or abrupt jumps, or through slow incremental changes? The article is divided into three parts. In the first, we summarize the interpretations of the revolutionary and evolutionary history of technology. Next, we reconstruct the typology proposed by Serres to characterize technological development through a model that overcomes the dichotomy revolution / evolution. Finally, we show how these approaches to the history of technology influence the formulation of theories of technological change