Shaping Concepts of Technology: From Philosophical Perspective to Mental Images

What is the nature of technology? And what is the body of knowledge for technology? Those questions are discussed both in the philosophy of technology and in technology education, but in different ways. Philosophers develop valid concepts of technology and educationalists reflect on the way such concepts can be built up in the minds of pupils and students. Not only the overall concept of technology but also specific concepts within technology are presented both from philosophical and from educational perspectives. This book shows how the philosophy of technology can provide an academic background for the development of technology education. At the same time it helps philosophers to take into account the intuitive ideas people hold in their considerations about the true nature of technology.
The texts are adapted versions of papers that were presented at the second Jerusalem International Science and Technology Education Conference held in 1996.