Society for the History of the Philosophy of Technology
Welcome to the Website of the Society for the History of the Philosophy of Technology (HPT)
We are a group of social theorists of technology who are interested in exploring the different ways that individuals and social groups have thought about technology throughout history. This includes those theories of technology with clearly defined frameworks, methods and concepts, such as Labor Process Theory, Critical Theory, and Phenomenology and different traditions of philosophical thought about technology, such as French Philosophy of Technology, Science & Technology Studies (STS), and the Empirical turn. We are also interested in non-traditional philosophies of technology found in the work of writers who are not typically considered social theorists of technology, such as Hannah Arendt and Hans Blumenberg, for example, and the implicit philosophies of technology found across literature, film, and art.
Through this website, you will find different resources that describe the history of the philosophy of technology. This includes a timeline of works in the philosophy of technology from 1800-1980 and short summaries of some of the traditions that help make up the history of the philosophy of technology.
We also provide information about upcoming events and publications on the history of the philosophy of technology and so if you would like us to post a link to your event, please feel free to contact us at histphiltech@nullgmail.com
The resources that we have provided are a work in progress and so if you have any ideas for additions, or if you would like any further information on the Society for the History of the Philosophy of Technology, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
History of Philosophy of Technology Timeline, from 1800 to 1980
Our working group has created a first timeline of the history of philosophy of technology, featuring some of the most influential publications in Western philosophy of technology from 1800 to 1980. This timeline highlights developments in how thinkers have engaged with and analyzed technology’s role, purpose, and impact on society, culture, and human thought itself.
The listed publications include foundational texts by philosophers, technologists, and theorists, reflecting the complex relationship between technology and human values. The first timeline constraints itself to the period 1800 to 1980. We hope to expand this in the future, creating timelines for other periods and regions as well.
You can explore this timeline and, if you feel some work or author is still missing, you can reach out to us through our contact page.
Conference on the History of the Philosophy of Technology (Maastricht, 28-30 October)
The History of the Philosophy of Technology Working Group at Maastricht University had held its first conference on the History of the Philosophy of Technology in Maastricht, on 28-30 October 2024.
We define the philosophy of technology as a wide-ranging and comprehensive field of study that includes the philosophical study of particular technologies and the different ways that technology, more broadly, has been considered philosophically. We encourage and promote work that explores these aspects historically, expanding established narratives by mapping interactions between technology and philosophy across different epochs and cultures.
This conference was organized as an activity within the Science, Technology and Society Studies (MUSTS) research programme at Maastricht University.
You can find the conference website here.
Recent News
CFP: Conference HaPoC 2025
Submissions are open for the 8th edition of the History and Philosophy of Computing (HaPoC) Conference that will take place on December 17-19, 2025, at RWTH Aachen University (Germany) on behalf of the DHST/DLMPST Commission for the History and Philosophy of Computing...
2nd Critical Philosophy of Technology Workshop: Reflections on the Anthropologies at Work in Theories about Technology (Maastricht, 29 April 2025)
Following a previous edition in Leuven (see here), Lisann Penttilä and Massimiliano Simons are organizing another 'Critical Philosophy of Technology' workshop, this time taking place in Maastricht on April 29, 2025. This workshop explores the often implicit...
CFP: The human phenomenon. Plessner’s crossroads (Cologne, 6-7 November 2025)
The University of Cologne is organizing a conference on the work of Helmuth Plessner, including his philosophy of technology. It’s call for abstracts is open and welcomes submissions until May 2025.
VISITING ADDRESS
Maastricht University
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Grote Gracht 90-92
6211 SZ Maastricht
POSTAL ADDRESS
PO Box 616
6200 MD Maastricht
The Netherlands
CONTACT
E: histphiltech@nullgmail.com