Philosophy, technology, and society

Manuel Medina

pp. 153-166

in: Carl Mitcham (ed), Philosophy of technology in Spanish speaking countries, Berlin, Springer, 1993

Abstract

Unlike science, technology has been overlooked in the philosophical tradition as a major area for reflection and systematic study; indeed, with significant exceptions, it has been ignored. Even the philosophy of science has rarely concerned itself with technology, being generally more concerned with the theoretical results of scientific research. The traditional philosophical neglect of technology is due, among other things, to a series of dogmas latent in the philosophical tradition in general and in the philosophy of science in particular. This fondamental dogma affirms the primacy of theoretical knowledge as the authentic, rational knowledge with which science has been identified since its beginnings.