Technology and Society provides an up-to-date introduction to the basic issues that have come to define the philosophy of technology: What is “technology”? Does technology control our lives? What is technology’s relation to ethics? How does technology influence us? Is the widespread belief in technological progress justified? Later sections of the book examine the application of philosophy of technology to social issues such as climate change, urban sprawl, and automation. Major issues and arguments are presented in an accessible and non-technical fashion, giving the reader a firm foundation in the field.

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James Gerrie is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Cape Breton University.

“James Gerrie has compiled an extremely useful primer for issues relating to technology and society, including discussion of basic ethical principles and influential philosophies of technology. Canonical as well as contemporary sources are addressed with clarity and succinctness. This guide will prove to be a useful overview for students, as well for any general readers interested in strengthening the foundations of their thought about a set of urgent issues that dominate our world with comprehensive force.” — Mark Kingwell, Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto

“An enjoyable, easy-to-read, conversational introduction to some major ideas and thinkers in the philosophy of technology. Gerrie covers the main problems: the challenges with definitions, the inescapable issue of determinism, and the problems with progress. It’s not just philosophy for the sake of it—there are plenty of real-world concerns, and this book definitely opens doors to deeper critical thinking. Easily the basis of an excellent junior undergraduate course.” — Scott Campbell, Director of the Centre for Society, Technology and Values, University of Waterloo