Fifteenth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge & Society

Abstract

Technology impacts the quality our everyday lives for better and for worse. But can we make generalizations about how a “wise” person should think about, and engage with technology? This is the question I will address in this talk, in part by highlighting the work of contemporary American philosopher of technology Albert Borgmann. In the first part of the talk, I discuss the concept of wisdom, which has been the subject of philosophical inquiry since Plato. I will review the relation between wisdom and humility, rationality, factual knowledge and practical knowledge. I will argue that practical knowledge—that is, knowledge about how to live a good life—is necessary component of wisdom. In the second part of the talk I introduce Borgmann’s perspective on the relation between the use of technology and living a good life. Borgmann’s work is both descriptive and prescriptive. He asserts that modern technology exhibits a consistent pattern: it tends to reduce humans’ engagement with reality and participation in social life, and that this negatively impacts quality of life. Borgmann’s prescription is to make a conscious effort to engage with aspects of reality that he terms “focal.” Focal things and practices are good in and of themselves; they reorient our lives and provide sense and meaning. I conclude by briefly reviewing some critiques of Borgmann’s view.