What if all technologies were inherently social?

Introduction to Technology and Society

The relationship between technology and society is debated, focusing on whether technologies are neutral tools or social objects.

Philosophical Perspectives on Technology

Core question: What defines a technology? Technologies possess 'forness' (purpose), seen in examples like fishing rods and blockchain.

The Social Dimensions of Technology

Technologies influence human behavior and societal values; case studies (e.g., bicycles, plastics) show varying perceptions among social groups. Technologies act as 'boundary objects' and carry 'scripts' that shape user behavior, as shown by seatbelt alarms in cars.

Influence of Mundane Technologies

Everyday technologies (e.g., washing machines) shape social norms and impact resource consumption. Technological infrastructures can reinforce inequalities (e.g., low overpasses in Long Island). Technologies can perpetuate certain values, affecting social empowerment.

Overview of Key Ideas

Debates persist on the balance between social and material factors in tech development. General agreement acknowledges that technologies carry social values that affect daily life.

Implications for European Policy-Making

Technologies are now viewed as value-laden, requiring proactive policy-making. Current debates focus on online journalism's societal impact (e.g., fake news) against values like freedom of speech. The EU aims to align technology with societal values through codes of conduct for the internet and robotics.