Readings in the Philosophy of Technology

(Paperback, Second Edition)

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Description

Ideal for professors who want to provide a comprehensive set of the most important readings in the philosophy of technology, from foundational to the cutting edge, this book introduces students to the various ways in which societies, technologies, and environments shape one another. The readings examine the nature of technology as well as the effects of technologies upon human knowledge, activities, societies, and environments. Students will learn to appreciate the ways that philosophy informs our understanding of technology, and to see how technology relates to ethics, politics, nature, human nature, computers, science, food, and animals.

Reviews

David Kaplan has collected the most important readings in the philosophy of technology from the foundational to the cutting edge, making this new edition essential to anyone interested in the impact technology has on humanity. This book will provide a cornerstone for any course on the philosophical or social impacts of technology. The wealth of readings cover a wide variety of topics, which will allow for many different course designs to flow from this one book. Kaplan also provides lucid and entertaining introductions to each topic that will help situate the readings in their place within the continuing conversation of the proper place technology has in our lives. -- John P. Sullins, Sonoma State University
This book is an excellent introduction to 20th and 21st century philosophy of technology. Prof. David Kaplan has collected a variety of classic and contemporary texts defining this fast-growing branch of philosophy and ordered them systematically. What makes this book truly remarkable is that is also offers comprehensive insight into the philosophical work with technology taking place at the moment. This is manifest in text of thinkers such as Sheila Jasanoff, Bruno Latour, Peter-Paul Verbeek and Evan Selinger. -- Sren Riis
This book makes it thrilling to teach the philosophy of technology. Its guiding issue is not whether but how technology affects social life, and in what forms. It shows that few of today's pressing social issues, from educational policy to genetically modified foods, can be meaningfully addressed without understanding the philosophy of technology. -- Robert P. Crease, Chairman of the department of philosophy, Stony Brook University

Author Bio

David M. Kaplan is assistant professor of philosophy at the University of North Texas.