Philosophy of Technology

Val Dusek is Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Hampshire. His recent publications include Holistic Inspirations of Physics: An Underground History of Electromagnetic Theory (1999) and Philosophy of Technology – The Technological Condition: An Anthology (co-edited with Robert C. Scharff, Blackwell 2003).

• Introduction 11 Philosophy of Science and Technology 62 What Is Technology? Defining or Characterizing Technology 263 Technocracy 384 Rationality, Technological Rationality, and Reason 535 Phenomenology, Hermeneutics, and Technology 706 Technological Determinism 847 Autonomous Technology 1058 Human Nature: Tool-making or Language? 1129 Women, Feminism, and Technology 13610 Non-Western Technology and Local Knowledge 15611 Anti-technology: Romanticism, Luddism, and the Ecology Movement 17612 Social Constructionism and Actor-network Theory 198Bibliography 211Index 234

“Dusek’s range of expertise is impressive, and his generous conception of what topics a philosophy of technology should consider is timely. In this field where there is not yet a ‘mainstream’ viewpoint, too few writers appreciate the importance of such wide coverage. Fewer still are knowledgeable enough to speak in all of these areas out of their own understanding. Val Dusek is and does. His book is precisely what the field now needs.” Robert C. Scharff, University of New Hampshire “Val Dusek’s Philosophy of Technology offers students a comprehensive overview of the frequently neglected relationship between philosophy of science and technology by discussing classics like Heidegger and Marx and bringing them into dialogue with contemporaries such as Ellul and Ihde as well as feminist and ecological thinking.” Thomas Achen, Linköping University “The breadth of coverage is very impressive. Clearly written, understandable and comprehensive. Its breadth and clarity of expression make it a welcome addition to the literature.” Journal of Information, Communication & Ethics in Society