Technology Neutrality and Society

This set of flashcards covers terms and definitions related to the relationship between technology, society, and philosophy.

Technoscience

A collective term for talking about science and technology as one thing, rather than as two separate things.

Technological determinism

The idea that technology has a determined path irrespective of social, cultural, or economic changes.

Value-free technology

The position that argues technology can be considered neutral.

Value-laden technology

The position that argues technology can never be considered neutral.

Multi-stability

The capacity for technologies to acquire new uses beyond their intended purpose.

Socio-technical systems

Functional technologies comprised of material and social (or human) elements integrated with one another.

Embodiment

Human + technology relations, where technology becomes part of human experience (e.g., glasses).

Hermeneutic relation

Interpretation/understanding symbols, where human understanding is influenced by technology and the world (e.g., thermometer).

Alterity

The relationship of otherness between humans and technology (e.g., self-service kiosks).

Phenomenology

The philosophical approach that emphasizes human experience and consciousness as mediated through technology.

Post-phenomenology

A philosophical stance that highlights how technology shapes human experiences and vice versa.

Normalising power

The concept that scientific knowledge reinforces societal norms and power structures.

Knowledge is power

The idea that knowledge can liberate individuals from ignorance and empower them to impact society.

Human endeavour

The understanding that science is a product of human effort and is influenced by historical circumstances.

Technology push

Technology arising from research and development, leading to new products or improvements on existing technologies.

Market pull

Technology created to meet known consumer needs or wants.

Co-production

The concept that society shapes technology and, simultaneously, technologies shape society.

Classic neutrality claim

The assertion that technology, like guns, is neutral and only becomes problematic through human misuse.

Technological trajectory

The potential path that technology may take based on social and cultural influences.