Technology is a practice involving the creation of artifacts for human use. Artifacts can be anything from tools and techniques to systems and methods of organization. They are made to accomplish a certain purpose, and they may or may not be waste products.
New technologies have profound societal and environmental ramifications. While new technologies have been a source of great innovation and advancement, they can also cause pollution and harm individuals. In addition, they can be a form of power, especially as they are designed.
Philosophers of technology have attempted to make sense of these changes in society. Their work has generally focused on the impact of technology on culture.
One of the first contributions to the field came from Aristotle. He claimed that house-building and weaving were examples of technology that imitated nature. However, he also argued that a machine could never be made without the input of human beings.
Another early contribution to the field comes from the Renaissance. This period led to greater appreciation of the creative efforts of human beings. The scientific revolution, in particular, introduced a mathematical articulation of scientific theories.
As a result, philosophical reflection on technology increased greatly. But not at the same rate as the growth of philosophy in general. By the end of the nineteenth century, the debate had shifted to foundational issues.
These include the relationship between technology and science. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the relationship between the two has been more closely examined.