In this chapter, we will place technology into a historical context to demonstrate the codevelopment of humankind and technology; four technologies will serve as examples of these dependencies. We will also consider technology from the users’ perspectives. My own experiences as an “accidental technologist” will be offered as a demonstration for how technology has aided and, at times, encroached upon our lives. And finally, we will develop working definitions for science and technology; research and development; and innovation and transformation.
