THE TECHNICAL SHAPING OF TECHNOLOGY - REAL-WORLD CONSTRAINTS AND TECHNICAL LOGIC IN EDISONS ELECTRICAL LIGHTING SYSTEM - DISCUSSION

This paper discusses the role of the physical world and technical logi c in constraining the shaping of technology For illustration, Edison's development of the electrical incandescent-lighting system is used as a didactic example of how such shaping can significantly limit engine ers' room to manoeuvre in arriving at their design decisions. With the se results as springboard, observations and reflections are offered ab out real-world and other technical and non-technical constraints in th e total shaping process. Engineers are pointed to as among the mediato rs of choice, in varying degree, across the entire technosocial spectr um. This little-analyzed activity, including the concomitant technical shaping, needs increased study (possibly collaborative) by both socia l scientists and engineers.