Technology and Virtue Theory

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection of Aristotelian Virtue Theory with modern smart-technology. The exemplar of modern technology is the smartphone. It is the most interesting piece of technology of our era. Portable and potent, this Device has found a home in every purse or pocket. How is intellectual virtue possible when little bright screens give answers with an ease and accuracy impossible at any other time in history. To approach this topic key terminology developed by Heidegger is used to make an account for technology. From here a Platonic analysis of writing and knowledge is transposed to the context of technological innovations in the modern era. These findings are in turn held to an Aristotelian distinction of scientific, productive and practical wisdom. The paper concludes that technology is persuasive but easily misapplied. Smart-technology is misused when the relationship man-and-device is misunderstood: an appeal to technology is easily mistaken for actual scientific, technical and practical knowledge. This is a type of cunning. It happens because technology invites the confusion. It is the smart thing to do. The implications are many. It demonstrates that Virtue Theory is well suited and relevant to the discourse of smart-technology. It further suggests that to truly live well with technology, technology must be understood as a means to an end and not the end itself.