The Metaphysics of Technology

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Technology, Social Aspects, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Metaphysics, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book The Metaphysics of Technology by David Skrbina, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Skrbina ISBN: 9781134757428
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 25, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: David Skrbina
ISBN: 9781134757428
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 25, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

What is technology? Why does it have such power in our lives? Why does it seemingly progress of its own accord, and without regard to social or environmental well-being? The quest for the essence of technology is an old one, with roots in the pre-Socratic philosophy of ancient Greece. It was then that certain thinkers first joined the ideas of technê and logos into a single worldview. The Greeks saw it as a kind of world-force, present in both the works of men and in nature itself. It was the very creative power of the cosmos. In the 20th century, German thinkers like Dessauer, Juenger, and Heidegger sought the metaphysical basis of technology, with varying success. French theologian Jacques Ellul argued persuasively that technology was an autonomous force of nature that determined all aspects of human existence, but he neglected the metaphysical underpinnings. Recent writers in the philosophy of technology have generally eschewed metaphysics altogether, preferring to concentrate on constructivist models or pragmatic analyses. In the present work, Skrbina returns to a classic metaphysical approach, seeking not so much an essence of technology but rather a deep and penetrating analysis of the entire technological phenomenon. Drawing on the Greeks, he argues for a teleological metaphysics in which increasing order in the universe is itself defined as a technological process. On this reading, all of reality constitutes a technical sphere, a "pantechnikon," of universal scope. This work — the first-ever book-length treatment of the topic — breaks new ground by providing an in-depth and critical study of the metaphysics of technology, as well as drawing out the practical consequences. Technology poses significant risks to humanity and the planet, risks that can be mitigated through a detailed philosophical analysis.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What is technology? Why does it have such power in our lives? Why does it seemingly progress of its own accord, and without regard to social or environmental well-being? The quest for the essence of technology is an old one, with roots in the pre-Socratic philosophy of ancient Greece. It was then that certain thinkers first joined the ideas of technê and logos into a single worldview. The Greeks saw it as a kind of world-force, present in both the works of men and in nature itself. It was the very creative power of the cosmos. In the 20th century, German thinkers like Dessauer, Juenger, and Heidegger sought the metaphysical basis of technology, with varying success. French theologian Jacques Ellul argued persuasively that technology was an autonomous force of nature that determined all aspects of human existence, but he neglected the metaphysical underpinnings. Recent writers in the philosophy of technology have generally eschewed metaphysics altogether, preferring to concentrate on constructivist models or pragmatic analyses. In the present work, Skrbina returns to a classic metaphysical approach, seeking not so much an essence of technology but rather a deep and penetrating analysis of the entire technological phenomenon. Drawing on the Greeks, he argues for a teleological metaphysics in which increasing order in the universe is itself defined as a technological process. On this reading, all of reality constitutes a technical sphere, a "pantechnikon," of universal scope. This work — the first-ever book-length treatment of the topic — breaks new ground by providing an in-depth and critical study of the metaphysics of technology, as well as drawing out the practical consequences. Technology poses significant risks to humanity and the planet, risks that can be mitigated through a detailed philosophical analysis.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Brand Love is not Enough by David Skrbina
Cover of the book The Philosophy and Practice of Corrections by David Skrbina
Cover of the book Domestic Violence in International Context by David Skrbina
Cover of the book Who's Who in Ancient Egypt by David Skrbina
Cover of the book The Rural and Peripheral in Regional Development by David Skrbina
Cover of the book Micro-Clusters and Networks by David Skrbina
Cover of the book The Development of Economics in Japan by David Skrbina
Cover of the book European Media Policy for the Twenty-First Century by David Skrbina
Cover of the book The Enlightenment Rediscovery of Egyptology by David Skrbina
Cover of the book Understanding Children's Needs When Parents Separate by David Skrbina
Cover of the book In History and in Education by David Skrbina
Cover of the book The Philosophy of Social Research by David Skrbina
Cover of the book Humanism and Terror by David Skrbina
Cover of the book Media, Process, and the Social Construction of Crime by David Skrbina
Cover of the book Engendering Wealth And Well-being by David Skrbina
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy