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The Metaphysics of Technology (Routledge Studies in Social and Political Thought) 1st Edition
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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.
- ISBN-100415716624
- ISBN-13978-0415716628
- Edition1st
- PublisherRoutledge
- Publication dateAugust 12, 2014
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions6.25 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches
- Print length324 pages
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About the Author
David Skrbina, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Michigan at Dearborn.
Product details
- Publisher : Routledge; 1st edition (August 12, 2014)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 324 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0415716624
- ISBN-13 : 978-0415716628
- Item Weight : 1.32 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.25 x 0.75 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #10,695,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #4,289 in Social Aspects of Technology
- #19,555 in Philosophy Metaphysics
- #263,740 in Engineering (Books)
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The book is also an excellent survey of the history of the philosophy of technology. He examines and explains a number of prominent philosophers of technology (including one particularly surprising one you might not expect...). Of particular interest is the chapter of case studies which examines some very interesting ways that technology has had a doubtlessly negative impact on individuals, society, and the environment.
In an increasingly technophilic world, it is crucial that we take a step back and objectively analyze the role of technology in our society and in our personal lives. It seems that we may be moving a little too fast, and may not be skeptical enough about "the next big things."
This book is more of a philosophical textbook than it is a pop-philosophy or general readership book. The author is a professor of philosophy and this definitely shows in his writing and the content of the book. However, he does a good job explaining basic philosophical concepts that lets the reader understand the material. I did not struggle with any of the material, but I do have a bachelor's degree in philosophy. If you have at least taken Philosophy 101, you are probably in a good position to enjoy this book and the author will carry you the rest of the way. Others may find themselves needing to go read Wikipedia articles before finishing some paragraphs.
My only criticism of this book is it is kind of ridiculously expensive (I bought my copy for $54 and it has since gone up to almost $60). This is out of the author's control, no doubt. Also, the copyeditor for this book should be fired. It is full of typos that should have been caught before publishing. For instance, Page 247 contains the phrase "Guildford County in Greensboro, North Carolina..." First of all, how can a county be inside a city? Secondly, it's not Guildford it's Guilford County (with a population of over half a million people). Other than that, an excellent philosophical text and one that more people should read.
I say that this is essential reading only in the sense that it is accessible to the layman, and most people have never thought seriously about technology in and of itself as a separate phenomena. It's clear that with the process of technological change and advancement throughout history, there are processes, thought patters, outcomes, and perspectives that are formed as a direct influence, if not entirely determined by the technologies themselves. It's crucial people consider the idea that technology is an autonomous force, part of nature, yet outside it; a tool but also a set of changes and social arrangements that are determined by it. Also, the book effectively introduces many, if not most, of the philosophers of technology--presenting their concepts and ideas in clear an easy to understand language.
The best part of the book is where it deals critically with contemporary philosophy of technology. It's clear that the author takes these ideas very seriously, and considers the question of what technology is and what it means for humans to be of paramount importance for the world today--ideas with direct consequences to the whole web of human society and the biosphere, from environmental sustainability to human freedom Consequently. he's not shy about genuinely considering the philosophical merits of extremely controversial thinkers. At the same time, he shows how the immense political and social pressures of modern academia, steeped in a scientific and technological milieu, have all too often pressured philosophers to not tackle uncomfortable, disturbing, yet extremely important philosophical issues related to technology. He goes on to show how the "elephant in the room" in the form of serious issues presented by technology ITSELF is ignored or skirted by many thinkers who for one reason or another shy away from taking the same grand, comprehensive perspective as the author.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to introduce themselves to the philosophy of technology...especially the concept of the "autonomy" or out-of-control nature of technology.
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The Metaphysics of Technology includes a chapter on education and the ways digital technology has perhaps hindered, rather than benefitted, education. As an artist/researcher/teacher myself, I find this chapter particularly compelling. Skrbina presents examples from the last 15 years whereby evidence points to integrating less technology in school rather than more. However, it can be observed that pressure to integrate computers, coding, etc. into our classrooms is increasing. This is accomplished through a form of circular reasoning whereby computer analysis will always determine that more computers are needed. It would appear that a form of technological self-preservation is built into the digital domain.
Skrbina has written an important book for these times. Higher Education professionals are advised to read it and subsequently action new behaviors. It can be said that reducing pollution, curing technological addiction, and diminishing environmental destruction are three of the most important things we could be doing as individuals and as a society. As Halla, the 50-year-old eco-warrior, says in the wonderful Icelandic film Woman at War, "We are the last generation that can do something about it."


