Authentic Technological Engagement

When the Philosophy of Technology focuses on dubious notions such as technological determinism or the autonomy of technology, the focus shifts away from the responsibility that people have for the technology that they create and use, typically resulting in the demonization of technology as a shadowy force intruding into every aspect of peoples’ lives. Rather, the focus needs to be directed precisely toward the relationship that people have with technology, and what would be required in order to have a fully authentic relationship with technology. This study develops a structural analysis of technology as a foundation for investigating the possibility of an authentic relationship between people and technology. It identifies the problematic features compromising that relationship, then defines the conditions whereby people can engage with technology in a fully authentic manner. In addition to the main argument, a second part takes an unorthodox and highly opinionated look at a number of aspects of technology and its philosophy, such as: • Chuang-Tzu on Technology • The Denigration of Efficiency • The Problem with Taylorism • Cyborg Enthusiasm