Reflection on the Social Construction of Technology in the Philosophy of Technology

Abstract

Technological determinism initially emerged in the relationship between technology and society. In the environment surrounding technology and society, technology determinism and social construction of technology (SCOT) have a tense relationship. This study aims to reveal the characteristics of SCOT by exploring and reflecting on the substantive debates and criticisms surrounding the social constructionism of technology, which is opposed to technological determinism in terms of the philosophy of technology. It is intended to substitute for the conclusion of the study by suggesting the implications obtained through reflection on SCOT. First, driving technological development in SCOT is achieved through consensus between social groups and technology developers. In the process of technological development, conflicts arise among social groups due to different problems and solutions with respect to technology, and the form of the technological artifact that has reached an agreement is finally selected. Second, technological flexibility or interpretative flexibility can solve a problem in various technical ways in SCOT. This variety of flexibility appears as a difference of interpretation and conflict between the social groups surrounding technology. Third, in SCOT, the technology frame greatly affects the artifacts. The function of the description frame differentiates it from most other concepts and is intended to be applied to the interaction of various actors. Fourth, for a specific technology to develop from the SCOT perspective, it has momentum through the consolidation of the technology system. A technological system is composed of physical artifacts, organizations, science bases, legal devices, and natural resources, with each element contributing to the overall goal of the system by interacting with other elements.Fifth, in SCOT. Finally, the main criticism of SCOT is that researchers’ methodologies are formal, they focus on the early stage of the emergence of technology, there is indifference to the influence of technology, and the social structures and power relations accompanying technological change are ignored.