Analytical Philosophy of Technology - Softcover
Book 84 of 214: Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science
Synopsis
I. Stages of the Philosophy of Technology.- 1. Introduction.- 2. The Engineering Perspective.- 3. Philosophy of Culture.- 4. Social Criticism.- 5. The Earth as a System.- 6. The Problem of Diversity of Approaches.- II. Differing Versions of the Concept of 'Technology'.- 1. Problems of Definition.- 2. Historical and Systematic Analysis.- 3. Periods in the History of Technology.- 4. Semantic Variations of the Concept of 'Technology'.- 5. Attempts at Definition.- III. Methodological Analysis.- 1. The Determinants of Technological Development.- 2. The Range of Action.- 3. The Transformation of the Material World.- 4. The Neutrality of Technological Means.- 5. Hypothetical Imperatives.- 6. Technological Progress.- IV. The Road to Modern Technology.- 1. The Socio-cultural Approach.- 2. Historical Determination.- 3. Magical and Technological Thinking.- 4. Socio-economic Conditions.- 5. Technological Foundations.- 6. The Industrial Revolution.- 7. Engineering Sciences and Natural Sciences.- 8. Intellectual Prerequisites.- a. Valuation of Work.- b. Efficient Management.- c. The Impulse for Technological Creativity.- d. Rational Thought and the Enlightenment.- e. Objectification of Nature.- f. The Mechanistic View of Nature.- g. The Mathematical Model.- h. Experimental Investigations.- 9. Complex Interconnections.- 10. Natural Instinct and Volitional Creativity.- V. The Technological World.- 1. Nature and Artifacts.- 2. The Cosmic Dimension.- 3. Accumulation and 'Self-Reinforcement'.- 4. The Acting Individuals.- 5. Individual Freedom and Collective Tasks.- 6. The Universality of Modern Technology.- a. The Transformation of the Physical World.- b. The Changed Situation of Life.- c. Worldwide Expansion.- 7. The Benefits of Technology and Their Cost.- 8. Changed Criteria.- 9. New Values.- 10. The Crisis in the Assessment of Technology.- Name Index.
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