Introduction

The programme concerns philosophical research on modern technology and the engineering sciences. It covers both central concepts in and moral issues regarding modern technology and the engineering sciences, taking an analytical perspective. Specifically, the programme concerns:

• Technological knowledge and its relation to (practical) rationality.
• Technical artifacts and their relation to human agency.
• Moral values in design.

Through research on these topics, the programme seeks to establish the philosophy of technology and the engineering sciences as an important and societally relevant subdiscipline of analytic philosophy, broadly understood. Researchers explore new lines of research in the philosophy of technology, while building upon previously established strengths and results. Innovations in philosophical research on technology and the engineering sciences are sought by applying concepts and theories from philosophical sub-disciplines such as epistemology, meta-ethics, philosophy of science and logic; simultaneously, the programme is aimed at enriching these fields with analyses of problems specific to the research area. Synergies with research in other philosophy groups, in the engineering sciences, and in areas represented at the School of Innovation Sciences are actively explored.

The programme is part of the joint research programme "Philosophy of Technical Artifacts" (2005-2010) with the Department of Philosophy at Delft University of Technology.

The programme started in its current form in 2003 and is led by prof.dr.ir. A.W.M. (Anthonie) Meijers.