The Philosophy of Technology: An Introduction

Technology’s impact on and implications for the social, ethical, political, and cultural dimensions of our world must be seriously considered and addressed. Philosophy of Technology is a clear introduction to one of philosophy’s newest issues. Don Ihde critically examines the impact of technological developments on various cultures throughout history–from the earliest feats of engineering and architecture to the cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence– with an aim to understanding the human implications within a world technological culture.

Using a wide variety of concrete examples and illustrations, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and nuclear energy, the author looks at both the current situation and future directions. In a final chapter, he takes the position that the foundational concern for the twenty-first century is the global environment, followed closely by multiculturality and its effect on technoculture, the future of warfare, and the distribution of wealth in a world economy.

Special Features

1. Provides an introduction to the best and most recent literature on the subject
2. Places the philosophy of technology within the overall project of philosophy
3. Provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the main issue in the field
4. Promotes understanding of the special role of philosophical criticism
5. Contains a wealth of often humorous and highly imaginative examples that have become the hallmark of this author

DON IHDE is Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York, Stony Brook. He is the author, editor, or coeditor of over a dozen books, including Technics and Praxis, Technology and the Lifeworld), and Instrumental Realism: The Interface Between Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Technology.