Some time back I added “the philosophy of technology” as a tagline to jaxn.org (though I have turned it on and off a few times). I am not exactly sure where the phrase came from, but I have a feeling it was something someone said to me. Still, it has a very specific meaning to me and now is as good of a time as any to document it.
In one of my early philosophy classes one of my professors (I think Dr. Mike Awalt) defined philosophy as the study of questions science is not yet able to answer. I really like that definition, unfortunately I am not able to corroborate it anywhere (and yes, I know the love of wisdom translation). I am going to stick with it though because it makes sense to me; when was the last time a philosopher speculated on the existence of and composition of atoms? It also fits with my general belief that over time science will be able to answer more and more of the unknown until one day there is a final theory and science is even able to explain God (note I did not say “explain away God”).
“Technology” is the application of science (I think that is the generally accepted definition).
So, “The Philosophy of Technology” is this brackish place where the application of science has created new questions that science is not yet able to answer. It is the place where the end meets the beginning. Without the philosophy of technology science would come to a halt. That is the stuff that I like writing about most these days.
Maybe I should get one of those circular arrow logos integrated into the header. You know, to indicate that this stuff is good like recycling. Or is it more like a compost pile? Either way, now you know.
2 Comments
I said it to you, about your blog.
That sounds right. Thanks man! I like it.