Get philosophical the de Vries way!

Science teachers can call on a long history in the study of the philosophy of science and this has helped establish science as an essential part of the curriculum for all pupils throughout compulsory education. But what of a philosophy for technology?

In such a practical subject as design & technology is such a concept redundant. Marc de Vries doesn’t think so. He has a clear view of why it is important and presents an introduction to area important for teaching and learning.

Science teachers can call on a long history in the study of the philosophy of science and this has helped establish science as an essential part of the curriculum for all pupils throughout compulsory education. But what of a philosophy for technology? In such a practical subject as design & technology is such a concept redundant. Marc de Vries doesn’t think so. He has a clear view of why it is important and presents an introduction to area important for teaching and learning.

After an introduction into the what and why of philosophy of technology Marc gives a separate chapter to each of Technological artefacts, technological knowledge, technological processes, technology and the nature of humans, the ethics and aesthetics of technology. Then there are three chapters more directly related to education – Learners’ philosophies of technology, reconceptualising technology through education and practical issues in teaching about technology.

For the really tough minded there is a chapter of questions and assignments plus a chapter listing resources for further reading and thinking.

And when it comes to arguing the corner for the different nature and purpose of knowledge in design & technology as opposed to science this book gives serious ammunition. It’s not that the D&T community would want to undermine the place of knowledge in the curriculum it’s just that there’s more than one sort of knowledge and the knowledge of scientists just isn’t that useful when it come to technology. You don’t believe me, see what Marc has to say!

"Teaching about technology, An introduction to the Philosophy of Technology for Non-philosophers" is published by Springer ISBN 1 4020 034091