University of Chicago Press (1994)
Authors | |
Abstract |
What does it mean to think about technology philosophically? Why try? These are the issues that Carl Mitcham addresses in this work, a comprehensive, critical introduction to the philosophy of technology and a discussion of its sources and uses. Tracing the changing meaning of "technology" from ancient times to our own, Mitcham identifies the most important traditions of critical analysis of technology: the engineering approach, which assumes the centrality of technology in human life and the humanities approach, which is concerned with its moral and cultural boundaries. Mitcham bridges these two traditions through an analysis of discussions of engineering design, of the distinction between tools and machines, and of engineering science itself. He looks at technology as it is experienced in everyday life--as material objects (from kitchenware to computers), as knowledge ( including recipes, rules, theories, and intuitive "know-how"), as activity (design, construction, and use), and as volition (knowing how to use technology and understanding its consequences). By elucidating these multiple aspects, Mitcham establishes criteria for a more comprehensive analysis of ethical issues in applications of science and technology. This book will guide anyone wanting to reflect on technology and its moral implications.
|
Keywords | Technology Philosophy |
Categories | (categorize this paper) |
Buy this book | Amazon page |
Call number | T14.M56 1994 |
ISBN(s) | 0226531988 0226531961 9780226531984 |
Options |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Download options
References found in this work BETA
No references found.
Citations of this work BETA
Experimental Philosophy of Technology.Steven R. Kraaijeveld - 2021 - Philosophy and Technology 34:993-1012.
A Defence of Constructionism: Philosophy as Conceptual Engineering.Luciano Floridi - 2011 - Metaphilosophy 42 (3):282-304.
Engineering Social Justice Into Traffic Control for Self-Driving Vehicles?Milos N. Mladenovic & Tristram McPherson - 2016 - Science and Engineering Ethics 22 (4):1131-1149.
View all 89 citations / Add more citations
Similar books and articles
Heidegger’s Relevance for Engineering: Questioning Technology.W. P. S. Dias - 2003 - Science and Engineering Ethics 9 (3):389-396.
Philosophy and Technology II: Information Technology and Computers in Theory and Practice.Carl Mitcham & Alois Huning (eds.) - 1985 - Reidel.
Philosophy of Technology and Macro-Ethics in Engineering.Wha-Chul Son - 2008 - Science and Engineering Ethics 14 (3):405-415.
Technology and the Good Life?Eric Higgs, Andrew Light & David Strong (eds.) - 2000 - University of Chicago Press.
Philosophy and Technology: Readings in the Philosophical Problems of Technology.Carl Mitcham & Robert Mackey (eds.) - 1972 - Collier Macmillan.
Analytics
Added to PP index
2009-01-28
Total views
117 ( #99,918 of 2,506,157 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
11 ( #68,211 of 2,506,157 )
2009-01-28
Total views
117 ( #99,918 of 2,506,157 )
Recent downloads (6 months)
11 ( #68,211 of 2,506,157 )
How can I increase my downloads?
Downloads