Up@dawn 2.0

Thursday, November 3, 2016

(H1) In Reference to Understanding Google

In Plato at the Googleplex, the idea that we don't really understand or have a desire to understand how this tech-filled world of our works is explored through Plato's fascination with the Google search engine. I had never given it much thought before about how I may know how to use mechanisms like Google's search feature or other aspects of the internet but what I don't know is how these features really work and exist as the features I know and am familiar with; I imagine it is most likely the same for a good portion of other people who have grown up with readily available access to all these things.
In Goldstein's book, the character of Plato makes the argument that we should understand how the tools we use work or we become exposed to the danger of becoming tools for our tools. This is interesting in how it is explored in the book through the thought that while many think we are Google's customers, we are actually its products. Since we exist in an increasingly technological age that is becoming more and more advanced with each year, it is impossible to fully comprehend how every new gadget that comes into existence works, but it is probably wise to at least have a healthy understanding of the objects we use in our everyday lives, if not so we don't end up becoming the tools ourselves, but in order to better appreciate the functionality they bring to our lives. After all, as expressed by Plato in Goldstein's book, the pursuit of knowledge is something we should always be striving for, even if that knowledge just comes in the form of having a better understanding about objects we interact with on a daily basis.

3 comments:

  1. I have always been on of those people that questions how everything works. Since I was little I questioned my dad about how everything worked, the car, the tv, phones, and everything. Some things he could answer like cars and so I learned how to (somewhat) fix vehicles. However, other things he could not teach me, but I have still always wanted to know. I think this is why I have always loved learning so much. This is probably why it has become so easy for me to learn on my own and understand new aspects and concepts rather easily.

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  2. It is within human nature to wonder. I have personally been curious about how the internet works and because of this I achieved a basic understanding of how it work like I believe that everyone should have.

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  3. I really agree with you on this. Knowing exactly how it works and the exact mathematic operations, electrical components, and pathways won't help with any understanding of that besides either how to fix it or break it(as for breaking it, I am positive I can find a way to break it without knowing about it.) The gist is what I feel is important and that is why I identify with what you said.

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