Thinking Through Science and Technology: Philosophy Religion and Politics in an Engineered World (Hardcover)

Groundbreaking in its range of disciplines and cultural backgrounds Thinking through Science and Technology explores how individual and societal beliefs values and actions are transformed by science technology and engineering. Practical and theoretical insights from philosophers policymakers STS scholars and engineers illuminate the promise perils and paradoxes that arise with technoscientific change. This collection of original research develops a philosophical understanding of technology and its inscription in a wider web of social and political meanings values and civilizational change. It explores foundational beliefs at the core of engineering education and practice with an emphasis on the movement of ideas between Western and Chinese scholars as well as the complex interwoven relationship between ideas from religion science and technology as they have evolved in the West. Contributors also critically examine the forces and frameworks that shape the development and evaluation of scientific practice and the innovation and adoption of technology with an emphasis on national and global policy. The volume offers a critical and timely reflection on science and technology that counters trends toward technological optimism on the one hand and disciplinary and cultural regionalization on the other. Chapters written by prominent and promising scholars from around the world make this a global resource; its breadth and clarity make it a superb introduction for those new to its fields. It serves as an essential reference for established scholars as well as anyone seeking a more comprehensive understanding of social and technoscientific entanglements that permeate contemporary life. List of contributors: Gordon Akon-Yamga Jennifer Karns Alexander Andoni Alonso Pamela Andanda Larry Arnhart Li Bocong Albert Borgmann Adam Briggle Jose A. López Cerezo Mark Coeckelbergh Daniel Cérézuelle Neelke Doorn Jean-Pierre Dupuy Andrew Feenberg Jose Luís Garcia Tricia Glazebrook Janna van Grunsven J. Britt Holbrook Helena Jerónimo Tong LI Yongmou LIU Lavinia Marin Glen Miller Carl Mitcham Suzanne Moon Byron Newberry Jean Robert Sabine Roeser Taylor Stone Sajay Samuel Daniel Sarewitz Jen Schneider José Antonio Ullate Carlos Verdugo-Serna Nan WANG.