Technology
![A steam turbine with the case opened. Most electricity is produced by thermal power stations with turbines like this one. Electricity consumption and living standards are highly correlated.[1] Electrification was voted the most important engineering achievement of the 20th century.[2]](/Images/godic/202501/30/Dampfturbine_Montage015954.jpg")
![The spread of paper and printing to the West, as in this printing press, helped scientists and politicians communicate their ideas easily, leading to the Age of Enlightenment; an example of technology as cultural force.](/Images/godic/202501/30/Handtiegelpresse_von_18115954.jpg")
![Antoine Lavoisier conducting an experiment with combustion generated by amplified sun light](/Images/godic/202501/30/Zoom_lunette_ardente5954.jpg")
![Hand axes from the Acheulian period](/Images/godic/202501/30/Biface_de_St_Acheul_MHNT5955.jpg")
Technology ("science of craft", from Greek τέχνη, techne, "art, skill, cunning of hand"; and -λογία, -logia) is the collection of techniques, skills, methods and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific investigation. Technology can be the knowledge of techniques, processes, etc. or it can be embedded in machines, computers, devices and factories, which can be operated by individuals without detailed knowledge of the workings of such things.