Philosophy: a Technologically Mediated World

What does it mean that we “live in a technologically mediated world?”

I invite you, dear readers, to ponder this and provide your thoughts, whatever they may be, in the comments section. For those seeking a reprieve from the jargon, the question basically asks us to ponder the fact that technology (be it in abstract processes such as mass production and global distribution, or basic activities like driving or electronic voting, entertainment through TV/movies/computer games rather than seeing stage shows or just hanging out with friends, and so on) fundamentally and totally pervades our life – it is everywhere we look

The question arises in my perusing of a new book, “Defining Technological Literacy: Toward an Epistemological Framework” which I think is just philosophical jargon for “What do people know about technology?”

Is it important to understand technology? Why? I’ll leave you with a quote from the introduction (and weave my own thoughts in with the comments):

Thus technologies such as information and communications technologies, the development of which helped to extend democracy for the good of humanity, have also enabled global networks of terrorists to engage in new and terrifying forms of warfare. The development of the automobile, the provider of mobility and freedom, but the proliferation of which has resulted in an increase in greenhouse gasses, has contributed much to global warming. (p.2)