Process Philosophy and Technology by Mark Thomas Young

Process Philosophy and Technology by Mark Thomas Young

This volume introduces process philosophy as a new theoretical approach in philosophy of technology.

Process philosophy represents an alternative to long-dominant modes of theorizing in Western philosophy, which take reality to consist of stable, enduring entities. As a range of approaches which understand change and becoming as primary, process philosophy encourages a deep engagement with the temporality of the world around us. But what does this mean for the philosophy of technology? This volume addresses this question by highlighting the role and significance of process perspectives in the work of key figures in the philosophy of technology, while showcasing the work of philosophers of technology who are currently developing new ways of theorizing the relationship between process philosophy and technology. By bringing together in one place contributions from leading experts on process philosophy and technology, this volume illustrates how transitioning from an ontology of things to processes promises to enrich our understanding of technology at a variety of different levels, from artifacts to socio-technical systems.

Process Philosophy and Technology will be of interest to researchers and advanced students working in philosophy of technology, philosophy of science, and science and technology studies.

“A timely and extensive contribution to the growing exploration of the relevance of process philosophy to contemporary concerns”

David Kreps, University of Galway, Ireland

“This volume deftly bridges the gap between process philosophy and science and technology studies, providing a much-needed analysis of how process thought can be used to make sense of how artefacts change across time. Combining rigour with accessibility, it promises to be an essential resource for scholars in metaphysics, design studies, philosophy of technology, and science and technology studies.”

Ryan Mitchell Wittingslow, University of Groningen, The Netherlands

Mark Thomas Young is Postdoctoral Fellow in the Philosophy Department at the University of Oslo, Norway. His research covers two fields: the Philosophy of Technology, where he focuses on practices of maintenance and the use of automating technologies, and the History and Philosophy of Science, where he explores instruments, craft practices, and tacit knowledge in the early modern period. He is the co-editor, with Mark Coeckelbergh, of Maintenance and Philosophy of Technology: Keeping Things Going (Routledge, 2024).

Mark Coeckelbergh is Full Professor of Philosophy of Media and Technology at the University of Vienna, Austria, and ERA Chair at the Institute of Philosophy of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague. He was President of the Society for Philosophy and Technology and is the author of numerous publications, including Environmental Skill, AI Ethics, Self-Improvement, and The Political Philosophy of AI.