Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies
Abstract
Any modeling of technology transfer is based on a concept of technology. The idea that considers technology merely the physical structures of technical artifacts seeks the physical transfer of these artifacts in technology transfer. In this article, we show that although the evolution of technology transfer models shows their attention to the context and some cultural and social dimensions, they still suffer from some vague or incorrect assumptions. This is due to a conceptual confusion about technology and the lack of an integrated philosophical theory. To address this lack, we propose a philosophical theory of technology using the literature on the philosophy of technology. According to this theory, technology is a plan or solution to technical problems that is used by intentional agents to achieve goals and in which the causal power of physical or social reality is used. Hence, technology transfer involves creating similar intentions, employing similar plan, and transferring or creating similar artifacts to apply its causal power in the destination situation. This approach focuses our attention on the intentions, values, and norms of the destination society, creating social artifacts such as appropriate institutions or laws, the need for related technologies in the destination society, the need to reconstruct the technical plan proper to the destination situation, and other matters. These aspects remind us that before facilitating technology transfer, one must pay attention to the criticism of technology transfer.
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