Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami

Journal of Hikmat-e-Islami

A Critical Examination of Certain Western Perspectives on the Ontology of Technology Based on Islamic Philosophy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D. Graduate in Transcendent Philosophy, Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute.
2 Assistant Professor and Faculty Member of Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute.
Abstract
One of the fundamental issues in the philosophy of technology is determining the ontological status of technological artifacts and clarifying the precise distinction between them and natural entities. Some thinkers, by ascribing ontological primacy to technological artifacts, have proposed a specific ontology of these artifacts that necessitates particular ontological and legal implications. These perspectives and their consequences are not acceptable according to the principles of Islamic philosophy. Accordingly, employing an analytical-philosophical method with a critical approach, this study first elucidates several ontological perspectives on technology from the standpoint of Western philosophy and then critically examines them on the basis of Islamic philosophy. According to the findings of this research, unlike natural entities, which possess unity and real existence, technological artifacts are conventional composites whose effects are no more than the resultant effects of their parts. Based on this theoretical foundation, the following views are found to be incorrect: "technological essentialism," "technology as function," "intentionalism," "multiple functions," "the dual nature of artifacts," "the use-plan," "social artifact," and "causal power".
Keywords
Subjects

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Volume 13, Issue 50
Autumn 2026
Pages 105-126

  • Receive Date 26 May 2025
  • Revise Date 27 October 2025
  • Accept Date 07 December 2025