The Artefact [I]

Summary

In this chapter we focus on the many aspects, dimensions or facets of technology using analysis of reality as developed by the philosophers Dooyeweerd and Vollenhoven. As the ‘vehicle’ for our analysis we use an industrial robot. A technological artefact like a robot proves to be exceptionally multi-faceted. In total as many as 15 different aspects can be distinguished, each with its own nature and character. Yet it is one and the same robot. In this chapter it transpires that the different dimensions all refer to one another and are inextricably connected. From this analysis it also emerges that there are many laws and norms connected with the design of a technological artefact which an engineer should consider. We also show that technology is not something that ‘happens’ to us, but that we as human beings are actively engaged in the process of designing and so can give direction to technology.

In the previous chapter we explored the challenging complex world of the engineer. Engineers occupy themselves with various aspects of technology, not only the spatial and physical dimensions of a design but also with, for instance, the social, economic, juridical and moral sides of it. Moreover, in the whole process of designing engineers have to consider the interests of different groups. They not only have to do justice to the interests of the client but also to other groups, like customers, co-workers, suppliers, authorities, governing bodies, etc. And finally engineers also have to cope with the complexity of the design itself. Modern technological artefacts not only require knowledge of the different classical and modern technologies but also of the integration of these different technologies into one single design.

This chapter is based on the ontology (theory of reality) of the philosophers Dooyeweerd (1894–1977) and Vollenhoven (1892–1978). For the analysis we 63make use of a technological artefact: an industrial robot. There are 15 different dimensions to this robot, all of which play an important part in the designing process.