Table Of ContentThe Metaphysics of Technology
What is technology? Why does it have such power in our lives? Why does it
seemingly progress of its own accord, and without regard to social or envi-
ronmental well-being? The quest for the essence of technology is an old one,
with roots in the pre-Socratic philosophy of ancient Greece. It was then that
certain thinkers fi rst joined the ideas of technê and logos into a single world-
view. The Greeks saw it as a kind of world-force, present both in the works
of men and in nature itself. It was the very creative power of the cosmos.
In the 20th century, German thinkers like Dessauer, Juenger, and Heidegger
sought the metaphysical basis of technology, with varying success. French
theologian Jacques Ellul argued persuasively that technology was an auton-
omous force of nature that determined all aspects of human existence, but he
neglected the metaphysical underpinnings. Recent writers in the philosophy
of technology have generally eschewed metaphysics altogether, preferring to
concentrate on constructivist models or pragmatic analyses.
In the present work, Skrbina returns to a classic metaphysical approach,
seeking not so much an essence of technology but rather a deep and pen-
etrating analysis of the entire technological phenomenon. Drawing on the
Greeks, he argues for a teleological metaphysics in which increasing order in
the universe is itself defi ned as a technological process. On this reading, all
of reality constitutes a technical sphere, a ‘pantechnikon,’ of universal scope.
This work—the fi rst-ever book-length treatment of the topic—breaks new
ground by providing an in-depth and critical study of the metaphysics of
technology, as well as drawing out the practical consequences. Technology
poses signifi cant risks to humanity and the planet, risks that can be mitigated
through a detailed philosophical analysis.
David Skrbina, Ph.D., is a senior lecturer in philosophy at the University of
Michigan at Dearborn.
This page intentionally left blank
The Metaphysics of Technology
David Skrbina
First published 2015
by Routledge
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
and by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group,
an informa business
© 2015 Taylor & Francis
The right of David Skrbina to be identified as author of this work has been
asserted in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs
and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or
utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now
known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in
any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing
from the publishers.
Trademark Notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or
registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation
without intent to infringe.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Skrbina, David.
The metaphysics of technology / David Skrbina. — 1st Edition.
pages cm. — (Routledge studies in social and political thought ; 94)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
1. Technology—Philosophy. 2. Metaphysics. I. Title.
T14.S57 2014
601—dc23
2014012406
ISBN: 978-0-415-71662-8 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-87958-1 (ebk)
Typeset in Sabon
by Apex CoVantage, LLC
This book is dedicated to our collective future.
This page intentionally left blank
Contents
Acknowledgments ix
Introduction 1
PART I
Metaphysis
1 Situating Technology 9
2 Technê, Logos, Theos 19
3 Cause, Teleology, and Transcendence 30
4 Technology and Cosmic Evolution 57
5 German Metaphysical Insights: Dessauer, Juenger, Heidegger 70
6 Borgmann’s ‘Critical’ Metaphysics 94
PART II
Praxis
7 Classical Critiques: Glimpses of the Pantechnikon 117
8 Recent Critiques: 1900 to Present 141
9 The Case for Technological Determinism 178
viii Contents
10 Replies and Refutations 211
11 Three Case Studies 236
12 Technology and Human Destiny 269
Epilogue 283
References 291
Index 305
Acknowledgments
As with any such work, many people contributed directly or indirectly to
making it a reality. A few, however, deserve special mention. Adam Briggle
offered early support and commentary and helped get this project off the
ground. Ken Brady has been a long-time colleague and provided various
insightful comments and feedback. Special thanks to my wife Lynn, who
gave assistance and advice throughout. And fi nally, Henryk Skolimowski,
who fi rst prompted me to think critically about technology.
