Abstract

Virtually any human practice or institution that exists in society has been seriously affected by the use of technology. However, the role of technology in society is little understood. Decision-making processes concerning technology are often driven by false and naïve images of technology and its interaction with society. A sound understanding of technology and its role in human practices and institutions requires specialist knowledge. Such knowledge is developed in several fields in the social sciences and humanities, including science and technology studies (STS), philosophy of technology, ergonomics, management of technology, and others. In this chapter, I will review these fields, with particular reference to approaches and theories in STS and the philosophy of technology, and I will report on their main findings regarding the role of technology in society. This review will be carried out in Section 2.