Question

Which of the following statements are correct for 'technology'?
(A) Understanding of concepts of friction and heat enabled us to conquer many diseases.
(B) Technology indicates the level of cultural development of society.
(C) Technology loosens the shackles of the environment on human beings.
(D) Human beings interact with their physical environment with the help of technology.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (C) and (D) only
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

When answering questions about technology's role, think broadly. Technology isn't just about computers; it's about every tool and technique humans have ever used to adapt to, control, or understand their environment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Technology, in the context of human geography, refers to the application of knowledge, tools, and skills to solve problems and interact with the environment. It is a key factor in societal and cultural development and shapes the relationship between humans and their surroundings.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each statement:
(A) Understanding of concepts of friction and heat enabled us to conquer many diseases. This statement is incorrect. The understanding of friction and heat was crucial for the industrial revolution (e.g., steam engines), but conquering diseases was primarily enabled by discoveries in biology and medicine, such as germ theory, antibiotics, and vaccines.
(B) Technology indicates the level of cultural development of society. This is correct. The sophistication of a society's tools and techniques is a direct reflection of its cultural and scientific advancement. Historians and anthropologists often categorize periods of human history based on technology (e.g., Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age).
(C) Technology loosens the shackles of the environment on human beings. This is correct and is a core tenet of possibilism. Technology allows humans to overcome environmental limitations, for example, by building irrigation systems in arid regions or developing heating and cooling for extreme climates.
(D) Human beings interact with their physical environment with the help of technology. This is a fundamental truth. From the earliest stone tools for hunting to modern GIS and remote sensing for environmental management, technology has always been the medium through which humans interact with and modify their environment.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements (B), (C), and (D) are correct descriptions of the role and nature of technology in human society. Therefore, the correct option includes only these three statements.