Monday, November 5, 2012

A Philosophical View On The Definition Of Innovation

By Priscilla Sims


Throughout the course of mankind, innovation has always been a part of it. It has seen the rise and fall of civilizations. The effects, despite being silent, is of incredible proportions. The definition of innovation has now triggered the curiosity of men and he is beginning to focus on it.

The 1960s marked the birth of a new study focusing on innovation. It is becoming evident that this movement has offered humanity major contributions. Its existence has been responsible for the changes of all aspects that everyone has. Everything that can be seen and felt most likely has a connection to it.

All disciplines in science, technology, and society have been continually subjected to this. It could be surmised that innovative process dictates the course of human history and cultural evolution. It has a very wide extent of influence that could either lead to positive and welcome changes up to cataclysmic results such as in the fields of politics and wars.

There is a connection between invention and innovation. Invention starts the process of innovation. The former is the younger stage and the latter is the developmental process. As it grows, so does its capacity for bringing change. Good or bad, its little effects can have a domino effect on the course of history.

Understanding this leads to several theories. A notable one was the Kline Rosenberg linear model. It strives to explain its nature and steps. Modeled after science, they state that it begins with research, constant developing up to production.

However, there were critics to that proposed idea. According to them, there is really no definite process. Discovery, accidents, experiences and failures were major factors as well. Causation, which has the element of intention, is just one of them but does not display a much bigger role compared to others.

Some examples on the idea of improvisation, be it positive or not can be seen in different fields. Technology is the most evident area where it can be seen. The society also changes and improves through revolutions as a mechanism for change. Primitive communal societies gave way to feudal systems, to absolute monarchy, capitalism, imperialism, socialism, then communism. Evolutionary science which is already a debunked theory gave way to certain failures in modern science.

The vastness of the definition of innovation could not just be covered by a single literature. For as long as humanity is present, so it does also. Everywhere mankind goes, innovating is always an integral part of his nature.




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