Philosophy of Technology in Works of Two South Bohemian Men of Science Cover Image

Philosophy of Technology in Works of Two South Bohemian Men of Science
Philosophy of Technology in Works of Two South Bohemian Men of Science

Author(s): Helena Pavličíková, Lenka Hrušková
Subject(s): History of Philosophy, Recent History (1900 till today), Philosophy of Science, 19th Century
Published by: Vysoká škola evropských a regionálních studií, z. ú.
Keywords: science; technology; philosophy; physiology; society; culture;

Summary/Abstract: Accidentally, Josef Velenovský and František Mareš were both natives of South Bohemia and both carved their careers in science moving from physiology to philosophy as evident from conclusions drawn from their scientific research. Thus by the same token but each in his own way, they reflected on man’s limited capacity for gaining knowledge and, by contrast, on the special significance of technology which could not exist without thorough human understanding. On that account technology, which had made man’s work easier or helped him travel vast distances, at the same rate became a phenomenon that enabled man to force his will upon his surroundings. The inevitable effect of such conduct was the conflict between man-created technology and man’s existential dependence on Nature. In view of the fact that the two scientists published their observations about the eventuality of technology being turned against man no later than the turn of the twentieth century, the topicality of their ken is even more surprising.

  • Issue Year: 2017
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 141-149
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: English