Han_and_Roman_Views_on_Technology_Dbq

People in the Han and Roman dynasties expressed their necessity for technology in assisting labor. In the Han dynasty, technology controlled the destruction of the Yellow River and appeased the peasants by providing an easier lifestyle. During the Roman Dynasty, technology assists in daily life for the building of public works along with the life of lower-class inhabitants. A document that would aid in describing the attitude towards technology would be a private letter from a peasant or low-class citizen, conveying his position on the use of technology. In the ancient Han Dynasty, technology subdued the strenuous workload of the average peasant, creating a positive attitude towards technology. It assisted the peasants by not only providing efficient tools for cultivating crops, but also controlling the destruction of land caused by the Yellow River. In “The History of the Early Han Dynasty,” technology was described as allowing people to enjoy great benefit from little labor. This statement does bring speculation because the source is a government-sponsored history, and the wonders of the dynasty may have been embellished. Yet technology proves to be appreciated because it settles the constantly growing animosity by the peasants during the Han dynasty. Technology was valued so intensively; Document 3 associates the advancement of technology with the mythological wise emperor. Thus technology is respected because a positive mythological emperor is shown creating the mortar and pestle, which advances technology. This is similar to the praise of the first emperor of The Xia Dynasty, who gained respect for his ability to control the Yellow River. Advancement in technology was not solely for cultivation of crops, but also the restriction of flooding. The Yellow River caused constant destruction. A Han official, writing a letter to local officials about flood prevention, advocates extensive technology to restrain flooding. This point of view may be affected by his education status. The Han official must be highly educated to pass the extensive test, and thus appreciates technology than a low-class citizen would. Although technology was widely praised, there was some criticism. It is perceived by Huan Guan, a government official, that the tools made today are inferior to the tools made before. He states that unmotivated slaves, creating low quality tools that aren’t effective, make the iron tools. Guan says that technology has actually slowed progress and created a harder lifestyle for peasants. His decision may be affected by the fact that he is writing about salt and iron, items monopolized by the government creating high prices for Chinese peasants. He was attempting to show the unimportance of these products. The Roman Empire regarded technology as assistance in building public works, yet it did not believe that technology stimulated progress. The Roman general Frontius describes the grandeur of the aqueducts. He expressed the beauty of the irrigation system, and implemented all praise towards technology. The public works in Rome were created by the technology of the time. The grandeur and usefulness of technology is expressed by Frontius the water commissioner. Argument can be drawn from the observations of Frontius because his occupation may influence his ideas about the irrigation system. The aqueducts may be taken for granted by an ordinary citizen yet the water commissioner who knows the workings of the aqueducts would have a greater appreciation for the structures. Plutarch exemplifies the appreciation for technology solely for public works. He states the tedious detail in the roads and bridges and shows great satisfaction in them. Also, he explains that technology, which made the roads, aids in daily life for all people in Rome. These observations may be embellished because Plutarch is describing the works of his superior. Therefore there is speculation whether his observations were honest. Yet technology was widely disregarded. With 1/6 the population as slaves, the growth of tools would only help the owned. Cicero describes hired work as “degrading” and that “craftsmen spend their time in vulgar occupations.” He disrespects technology because he is an upper-class citizen who has slaves and a wife to do domestic work. He downplays technology because of his high status and the improvement of slave conditions. Technology is also perceived to be less important than other aspects of life by Seneca. As an upper class Roman philosopher, he finds technology unimportant. He states that those who create technology are nimble and sharp, yet their mind is not greatly elevated. This shows an attitude of insignificance of technology because advancement of technology is created by those nimble and smart, but those of great mental capacity study philosophy. This shows the unappreciative attitude towards technology. Inhabitants of the Roman Empire recognized technology for its work in public work, yet disregarded it for other forms of use. The Han and Roman dynasties view technology differently. The Han Dynasty viewed technology as helping government and peasants and creating a positive impact. On the other hand, Rome perceived technology as advancing slaves and believed it was only useful for the building of public works.