Chinese Philosophy of Technology - A Parallel Tradition?

Abstract

This project investigates whether the Chinese philosophy of technology is a parallel tradition compared with the Western philosophy of technology. The Chinese philosophy of technology mainly stems from Dao and Marxist philosophy (especially the dialectics of nature), whereas the Western philosophy of technology primarily originates from Logos, the mechanical philosophy, and the philosophy of manufactures. In modern research traditions, there generally exists a practicing tradition in China, an analytical tradition in Anglo-America, and a phenomenological tradition in Europe. The discipline is delimited in similar but various ways. Important themes and topics are discussed with their similarities and differences. The Chinese model in Chinese or practicing tradition is practical and harmonious, being technological practice-oriented and social demand-based in a technological practice paradigm with a technocratic view. The Anglo-American model in Anglo-American or analytical tradition is pragmatic and constructive, applying technological criticism and philosophical analysis in a technological criticism paradigm with a humanistic reflection view. The European model in the continental or phenomenological tradition is pragmatic and reconstructive, employing technological explanation in a technological phenomenology paradigm with an engineering pragmatism view. All hold a technicism doctrine that promotes the sustainability of technological society in the natural homogeneous theory. This study originally argues on the natural homogeneity, performance heterogeneity, and contributions of the philosophy of technology in the Chinese, Anglo-American, and European models. With respect to traditional competition and transformational cooperation, this paper advocates a global agenda. These explorations contribute toward intercultural exchange and inclusive growth of Chinese and Western philosophies of technology.