Technology: Is there a Limit?

   For some, the answer is yes, yet no for others, but I think the answer depends on our understanding or definition of the topic in question - "Technological Limitation"

In 1937, the American sociologist Read Bain wrote that "technology includes all tools, machines, utensils, weapons, instruments, housing, clothing, communicating and transporting devices and the skills by which we produce and use them."

Technology can be most broadly defined as the entities, both material and immaterial, created by the application of mental and physical effort in order to achieve some value. In this usage, technology refers to tools and machines that may be used to solve real-world problems. It is a far-reaching term that may include simple tools, such as a crowbar or wooden spoon, or more complex machines, such as a space station or particle accelerator. Tools and machines need not be material; virtual technology, such as computer software and business methods, fall under this definition of technology.

So if it's about the actual products which includes machines, devices, softwares, etc, then yes there certainly are limitations. There are situations where a computer software or hardware is unable to achieve some functionality. For example, due to technical limitation, normal 32-bit computer operating systems have a 4 GiB limit on addressable memory.

But then, the Encyclopedia Britannica 2007 defines Technology as “The application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of human life or…. to the change and manipulation of the human environment"

So given this definition, it is quite impossible to tell the limit of technological advancement, for me the only limit we have right now is our present knowledge of science and technology as well as our imagination. Present science and technology determine our imagination of future technology as much as future technology is determined by present imagination and available science and technology.

To illustrate the point above, imagine telling someone in 1521 that in 2021 I will be able to type this article on my laptop linked to hashnode(via a wifi connection to a “hotspot”) and get it sent virtually instantly to anyone anywhere in the world, or able to fly say from London to New York in 7 hours or so (commercial flights). Radio waves had not been discovered in 1521 and internet technology was nowhere in sight! Even airships did not exist in 1521, let alone jet propelled aircraft. The idea of practically instantaneous worldwide communication via internet and international flight was inconceivable even to those with the most fertile imagination in 1521, unless, of course they were thinking of witchcraft and witches flying using broomsticks!

Fast forward to 2021 and you find that it is nice to dream about wormholes and FTL (faster than light) travel. However just as much as what we can do now is beyond the imagination of someone living in 1521,we cannot possibly imagine what will be possible in 2521 using science and technology that will be commonly available by then, but whose possible existence we cannot even begin to imagine now.

With time and an increased knowledge on science and technology, there certainly will be more advancements in technology.