Thomas H. Hughes

Thomas H. Hughes is an American historian and engineer known for his work on the history and development of technology and engineering. He examines how technological systems evolve within society, emphasizing their interactions with social, political, and economic factors. Hughes is best known for developing the "Large Technical Systems" theory, which analyzes complex, large-scale infrastructures like railroads, electricity grids, and communication networks to understand their growth, management, and societal impact. His work helps us see technology as a socio-technical process shaping and being shaped by societal change.