From reflective to constructive philosophy of technology

In this essay, I argue that where the 20th century saw the emergence of a reflective philosophy of technology, one that attempted to understand technology and its implications for society, our focus in the 21st century should be on a constructive philosophy of technology that actively seeks to change technology and its implications for society. A constructive philosophy of technology does not see as its primary task the understanding of technology, but the active philosophical guidance and support of actors in society that are responsible for the development, regulation and use of technology. I will make the case for a constructive approach, and I will try to sketch what it could look like. I will also argue that the constructive approach is currently becoming influential and will probably become still more influential in the future.