Twentieth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society

Abstract

In contemporary Western societies, the ancient Greek civilization has traditionally been associated with art and mythology rather than technological innovation. However, the discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism in 1901, retrieved from an ancient Greek shipwreck dating back to approximately 150 BC, challenged this perception once viewed through advanced CT scanning and reconstructive efforts. Often hailed as the inaugural analog computer, this intricate device has an advanced gear system not replicated in Europe until more than a millennium later. The Antikythera Mechanism automated intricate astronomical calculations, significantly augmenting the capabilities of ancient astronomers. It was believed to be used in education. Likewise, modern technologies, particularly AI, strive to automate tasks and serve as cognitive prostheses, enhancing human capabilities, including that of education. This study delves into the historical significance of the Antikythera Mechanism while also examining its potential role as a cognitive prosthesis and tool for prospection. Employing interpretive methodologies from the framework of Kalantzis & Cope’s Grammar of Multimodal Meaning (2020), the discussion explores how contextual factors shape human understanding, illuminating the interconnectedness of historical narratives and contemporary perspectives. While acknowledging the influence of cultural forces in the creation of such a groundbreaking device, this presentation reflects on assumptions, arguments, and potential implications arising from the intersection of this ancient mechanism and the present day. By critically examining the collision between this 2000-year-old artifact and the current technological landscape, the presentation attempts to unravel the intricate connections between history, modernity, and the technological explosions that we are faced with today.