Interpreting Technology: Ricoeur on Questions Concerning Ethics and Philosophy of Technology

Paul Ricœur's philosophy has had a major impact on many fields, but his work on technology has been relatively overlooked. Interpreting Technology aims to bring his insights to the forefront of contemporary philosophical thinking about technology, exploring his project of critical hermeneutics for rethinking established theories, the ethical and political implications of technologies, and ways of analyzing global sociotechnical systems. The book addresses timely questions about the impact of technologies on daily life, such as how they shape our sense of self and our understanding of history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Paul Ricœur has been a highly influential and intellectually stimulating philosopher throughout the past century, leaving a lasting impact on numerous fields of study, including language, history, ethics, and politics. However, his influence on the philosophy of technology has been relatively limited until recent times. In his book, Interpreting Technology, the author aims to bring Ricœur's work to the forefront of contemporary philosophical discourse on technology. The book explores Ricœur's project of critical hermeneutics, which seeks to reexamine established theories of technology and their ethical and political implications. It also delves into the growing impact of technologies on the modern lifeworld and the challenges of analyzing global sociotechnical systems, such as the Internet.

Ricœur's philosophy provides valuable insights into how we can enhance our understanding of technological mediation. By applying his concept of narrative theory, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the ways in which technology shapes our experiences and interactions. For example, how can narrative theory help us better understand the ethical implications of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality? How can we use narrative to shape our technical practices and ensure that they align with the ethical aim of living a good life, with and for others, within just institutions?

Furthermore, Interpreting Technology raises important questions about the emerging global media landscape and its impact on our sense of self and our understanding of history. In the age of social media and digital platforms, technologies have become increasingly intertwined with our daily lives, shaping our identities, relationships, and political engagements. How can we navigate this complex media landscape and ensure that it serves the common good rather than reinforcing existing power structures? How can we use the insights of Ricœur to develop a more critical and ethical approach to media consumption and production?

These questions are particularly relevant in the 21st century, as technologies continue to shape our world in profound ways. From the use of health apps to the impact of social media on our social interactions, the ways in which we engage with technology are constantly evolving. At the same time, the ethical and political implications of these technologies are becoming increasingly complex and pressing. By exploring Ricœur's philosophy, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that technology presents and develop strategies for navigating this complex landscape in a way that promotes human flourishing and social justice.

In conclusion, Paul Ricœur's work has been a significant contribution to the philosophy of technology, and Interpreting Technology provides a valuable framework for understanding his ideas in the contemporary context. By applying his critical hermeneutics to established theories of technology and their ethical and political implications, the book offers insights into how we can enhance our understanding of technological mediation and navigate the complex media landscape in a way that promotes human flourishing and social justice. As technology continues to shape our world, it is essential that we engage with Ricœur's philosophy and develop a more critical and ethical approach to its development and use.

Weight: 608g
Dimension: 228 x 163 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538153468