What is Technology: A Reflection Based on Bhaskar's Ontology

The article demonstrates that technology is a product of the complex interaction between humans and natural, artificial, and social structures, which enables the creation of various forms of technology. It strives to provide a deeper philosophical understanding of what technology is. This understanding reveals that one cannot be passive when confronted with technology; instead, individuals can play an active role in shaping it. Consequently, the content of the article does not present a favorable view of technological determinism.
 
What is Technology?
In this article, a definition of technology is presented based on the ontology discussed in the philosophy of science by Bhaskar. Understanding what technology is, serves as a serious prerequisite for addressing key questions in the field of philosophy of technology; these questions pertain to the interaction between technology and society, ethics and technology, technology and knowledge, freedom and democracy in relation to technology, among many other topics. The article utilizes Bhaskar’s ontology and analyzes natural, artificial, and social structures to define technology as the interaction of humans with a composite structure aimed at achieving specific functionalities. According to this definition, technology is not a neutral entity but rather value-laden and substitutable; this means that its development path and functionalities can change based on social values and choices.
The article demonstrates that technology is a product of the complex interaction between humans and natural, artificial, and social structures, which enables the creation of various forms of technology. It strives to provide a deeper philosophical understanding of what technology is. This understanding reveals that one cannot be passive when confronted with technology; instead, individuals can play an active role in shaping it. Consequently, the content of the article does not present a favorable view of technological determinism.
Introduction
The philosophy of technology is a dynamic branch of contemporary philosophy that strongly necessitates a deepening and expansion of its philosophical and theoretical foundations. From Heidegger and Jacques Ellul to Feenberg and Verbeek, the reflections of technology philosophers have concentrated on questions such as the nature of technology, its structural impacts on humanity and society, and the connections between technology and power. Nevertheless, the philosophical underpinnings of this field still require reinforcement. To address the challenges posed by emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, we need more profound philosophical reflections that can strengthen the epistemological and ethical foundations of the philosophy of technology and open new horizons for confronting increasingly complex issues. In this regard, we must not overlook the untapped potential within philosophical theories.
In this article, we aim to establish a basis for contemplating the essence and nature of technology based on the ontology presented by the prominent philosopher of science, Roy Bhaskar, while considering his natural science philosophy as well as his philosophy of social science. Although Bhaskar himself did not focus on issues in the philosophy of technology, his reflections on reality (both physical and social) can be utilized to philosophize within the realm of technology. He understands reality based on its causal powers, which provides a foundation for this article to draw upon Bhaskar’s ideas in order to comprehend technology.
PGMs and SGMs in definition of technology
In the first section of this article, we briefly explore Bhaskar’s philosophy of natural science and discuss the physical generative mechanisms or physical structures. The second section delves into Bhaskar’s philosophy of social science, outlining the differences and similarities between social structures and physical structures. Additionally, we examine the limitations that confront us in the study of social structures. With consideration of these two sections, we become acquainted with both physical generative mechanisms (PGM) and social generative mechanisms (SGM). In the third section, we turn our attention to defining technology, focusing on the insights gained from the study of Bhaskar’s philosophy. We will initially present two definitions of technology, each of which has its criticisms. Therefore, we propose a more comprehensive definition that considers both physical and social structures while also recognizing the role of humans as causal agents. This definition views technology as a form of human activity in which humanity, by employing this composite structure in a specific manner, brings forth a particular functionality.
Conclusion
In this article, we have utilized the ontology articulated within the framework of critical realism proposed by Bhaskar to provide a definition of technology. Two key concepts, namely natural generative mechanisms and social generative mechanisms, were employed in this context. The article demonstrates that the formation of technology typically involves the intertwined interplay of three types of structures: natural, artificial, and social. However, it has been shown that technology cannot be simplistically regarded as a composite structure of these three types. The role of human agency must not be overlooked in defining technology. Thus, technology is ultimately defined as the interaction of humanity with a composite structure aimed at achieving specific functionalities.
According to this definition, technology is no longer merely a neutral and static tool; rather, it is a dynamic and value-laden structure that possesses substitutability across various social and cultural contexts. This perspective shifts technology from the realm of necessity to that of possibility, where the roles of values, social choices, and human objectives become prominent in shaping technology and its functionalities. Consequently, technology can be harnessed as a means to promote social justice, preserve the environment, and address diverse cultural needs.
On the other hand, our analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding the
multi-stability of technologies. This means that the aforementioned tripartite structures may
be interpreted and understood differently by various social groups, leading to diverse functionalities. This perspective reflects the complexity and interdependence of technology on human interpretation, which evolves based on human and social choices, allowing for a conscious and purposeful expression of human agency in its developmental trajectory.
Ultimately, this article illustrates that the development of alternative technologies is feasible, and this potential can serve as a foundation for rethinking the form and role of technology in the future. Foresight regarding technology and the pursuit of better alternatives necessitate such a philosophical foundation that is articulated through the definition of technology.