SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY & SOCIETY
TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING
MARTIN HEIDEGGER- Born September 26, 1889, Messkirch, Schwarzwald,Germany—died May 26,
1976, Messkirch, West Germany. He is a German philosopher, counted among the main exponents of
existentialism. His groundbreaking work in ontology (the philosophical study of being, or existence)
and metaphysics (a type of philosophy or study that uses broad concepts to help define reality and
our understanding of it) determined the course of 20th-century philosophy on the European
continent.
THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY
Instrumental Definition:
Technology is a means to an end.
Technology is not an end in itself, it is a means to an end. Knowing its functions requires paying
attention to how humans use it as a means to an end. In this sense, technology is an instrument aimed
at getting things done.
Technology is a human activity.
To achieve an end and to produce and use a means to an end, by itself, a human activity. The
production or invention of technological equipment, tools, and machines, the products and
inventions, and the purpose and functions they serve are what define technology.
TECHNOLOGY A WAY OF REVEALING
Technology as a way of revealing—a mode of ‘bringing forth.’
Bringing forth can be understood through poiesis which refers to the act of bringing something out of
concealment. By bringing something out of concealment, the truth of something is revealed—aletheia
(disclosure of truth).
Techne resembles the term episteme which refers to the human ability to make and perform. It also
encompasses knowledge and understanding.
Tangible and intangible aspects of life. It encompasses not only craft but other acts of mind and
poetry. According to Heidegger, the essence of technology is a way of revealing. He considers the
origin of the word “technology”, referring to both technique and knowledge. This understanding of
technology extends the definition of the word from merely instrumental, to revealing.
TECHNOLOGY AS POIESIS: DOES MODERN
TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING
MARTIN HEIDEGGER- Born September 26, 1889, Messkirch, Schwarzwald,Germany—died May 26,
1976, Messkirch, West Germany. He is a German philosopher, counted among the main exponents of
existentialism. His groundbreaking work in ontology (the philosophical study of being, or existence)
and metaphysics (a type of philosophy or study that uses broad concepts to help define reality and
our understanding of it) determined the course of 20th-century philosophy on the European
continent.
THE ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY
Instrumental Definition:
Technology is a means to an end.
Technology is not an end in itself, it is a means to an end. Knowing its functions requires paying
attention to how humans use it as a means to an end. In this sense, technology is an instrument aimed
at getting things done.
Technology is a human activity.
To achieve an end and to produce and use a means to an end, by itself, a human activity. The
production or invention of technological equipment, tools, and machines, the products and
inventions, and the purpose and functions they serve are what define technology.
TECHNOLOGY A WAY OF REVEALING
Technology as a way of revealing—a mode of ‘bringing forth.’
Bringing forth can be understood through poiesis which refers to the act of bringing something out of
concealment. By bringing something out of concealment, the truth of something is revealed—aletheia
(disclosure of truth).
Techne resembles the term episteme which refers to the human ability to make and perform. It also
encompasses knowledge and understanding.
Tangible and intangible aspects of life. It encompasses not only craft but other acts of mind and
poetry. According to Heidegger, the essence of technology is a way of revealing. He considers the
origin of the word “technology”, referring to both technique and knowledge. This understanding of
technology extends the definition of the word from merely instrumental, to revealing.
TECHNOLOGY AS POIESIS: DOES MODERN
