Philosophy of technology has several forms. Early philosophical reflections are discussed, as well as modern philosophical perspectives. There is also a relationship between philosophy of technology and science. This article explores these relationships. The first part of the article covers the early philosophical reflections on technology, and the second part deals with the relationship between philosophy of technology and science.
Philosophy of technology
Philosophy of technology is the study of technology, and its relation to the human being. In the nineteenth century, it emerged as a field of study in the US. The first philosopher to write on the subject was Ernst Kapp (1877), a German philosopher based in Texas. His book Grundlinien einer Philosophie der Technik was influenced by the philosophy of Hegel. He saw technology as a projection of human organs. Kapp is sometimes considered the founder of the philosophy of technology in Europe.
Modern analytic philosophy of technology discusses the moral and societal implications of technology. This approach is aimed at addressing concerns of the humanities philosophy of technology, and also addresses the consequences of technology.
Early philosophical reflection on technology
Early philosophical reflection on technology can be traced to various authors and movements. Heidegger, for example, viewed technology as a force, which attempts to deliver resources from nature without doing so naturally. In his view, this means that technology is fundamentally different from nature, which is why there is a fundamental divide between earlier and more recent technology.
In this era of technological advancement, questions regarding the relationship between nature and technology are more urgent than ever. As human technological devices continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, researchers and practitioners feel an increasing urgency to address these questions. However, the underlying problems and puzzles in nature and technology are not new. In fact, the debate about nature and technology has its roots in ancient sources. Through these ancient accounts, we can catch a glimpse of contemporary debates regarding technology and human nature.
Modern philosophical reflection on technology
In modern philosophical reflection on technology, philosophers attempt to explore the issues that technology raises. These issues include labor, knowledge, and the transformation of nature. They also address the relationship between technology and human wellbeing. Although the topic of technology is wide-ranging, philosophers have a common focus. Below are some examples of modern philosophical reflection on technology.
Some philosophers argue that technologies embody certain forms of power. In other words, they are politically oriented. Railroads, for example, require a centralized management structure.
Relationship between philosophy of technology and science
Philosophical arguments about technology and science have been criticized from several directions. These criticisms include the use of moral panic and a lack of empirical evidence. These criticisms are often read as overly polemical and excessive. Often, they are also attributed to the instrumentalization of technology. These critics tend to view technology as a tool to control people or the environment.
Philosophical arguments about the nature of technology can help us understand how to live in the current technological age. One of the major figures in philosophy of technology is Martin Heidegger. According to Heidegger, modern technology is the result of industrial technology, which was most dramatically transformed by the Industrial Revolution, World War I, and America’s entry into World War II.