Thinking through technology : the path between engineering and philosophy

摘要: 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 philosophy of and discussion its sources uses. Tracing changing meaning "technology" from ancient times modern day, identifies most important traditions analysis technology: engineering approach, which assumes centrality human life; humanities is concerned with moral cultural boundaries. bridges these two through an discussions design, distinction between tools machines, science itself. He looks at as experienced everyday life: material objects (from kitchenware computers); knowledge (including recipes, rules, theories intuitive "know-how"); activity (design, construction use); volition (knowing how use understanding consequences). By elucidating multiple aspects, establishes criteria for more comprehensive ethical applications technology.