The Nature of Power Synthesizing the History of Technology and Environmental History

摘要

We have suggested that the study of energy and power offers a rich common ground for the history of technology, environmental history, and science and technology studies. A simple observation makes this intersection possible: all power derives from energy—it is energy put to work. Ultimately, this power must originate in nature, especially the sun's solar energy. This energy is neither gained nor lost from the whole system, but it does change forms and moves within and across sociotechnical systems here on earth. People gain power by enlisting other people, nonhuman nature, ideas, and technology into networks supporting their goals, and energy courses through these networks. By following the energy flows, we can understand better the internal structures of sociotechnical regimes, as well as their power in relation to other systems. Certainly, energy does not determine the internal structure or overall effectiveness of these systems, but power derives from the particular way by which relationships are structured to harness energy. An analysis of energy flows and power through a sociotechnical system can help us understand, for example, why the Industrial Revolution, the Corn Laws, and the U.S. Granger movement sparked one another and changed the world. Such an analysis can provide similar insights to other histories.