فصلنامه روش شناسی علوم انسانی
پیاپی 73 (زمستان 1391)

The aim of this paper is to critically explore the rich network of meaning of ‘religious technology’. The exploration is developed in the light of a number of fundamental questions with regard to the nature and functions of ‘religious technology’. The main argument of the paper is that ‘religious technology’ is not only possible, but also if applied in appropriate ways, highly desirable as a tool for enhancing one’s moral and religious outlook. The place of religious technology in the conceptual scheme of religion in general, the relationship between religious technologies and non-religious technologies, and most effective methods for developing appropriate religious technologies are among the issues discussed at some length in the paper

In this article, the three different conceptions of technology (technology as a tool; as manipulation of a tool; and as Gestell) are reviewed, and then the viewpoint of Feenberg, in this regard is studied. Feenberg's perspective is studied since he has greatly and systematically studied the concept of alternative technology in his works. Finally, the article attends to the question: how can the concept of alternative technology be supported? In this section, it is shown that alternative technology can be viewed in two levels of method and cognitive–normative framework.

Mirbagheri and Paya have the same viewpoints about meaning of technology and the possibility of technology and culture coordination, although, they have different ideas about how we must encounter with the Western technology. At first, we express the similarities in their points of view. Then, we attempt to answer this question: "Why do the same foundations conclude different results in the viewpoints of Paya and Mirbaghri?" At the end, it is depicted that the different understandings of the same apparently obvious antecedents cause the variation of consequences

Philosophical attitudes of early and later Martin Heidegger regards to the relation of science and technology is the case study of this article. The order of work is as follows, first of all there is a general review of Heidegger’s ideas about the relation of science and technology and then interpretation of Ihde _ a post Heideggerian philosopher of technology_ regards to the Heidegger’s philosophy is presented which is completed by Lyn White’s story of middle ages technology. At last the approach of Heidegger-Ihde is analyzed and article is concluded by a critical point to them.

The concepts which have no external correlates and mind, in order to fulfill its vital needs, has minted them are called mental construct perceptions which contradict real perceptions which are discoveries and the mental reflection of the reality and fact itself. On the other hand, soft technology is mental technology which originates from man's thinking, beliefs, values and individual and social behaviors. Their components are invisible human elements. This concept contradicts hard technology which is an external matter the components of which include physical matters. As the two concepts include too many common features and extensions, the rules governing each of them are applicable to the extension of the other.

In this essay, we are going to investigate viewpoint of Dr. Soroush about technology, especially in his article Industry and Contentment. For this, first we introduce the main structure of Soroush article and then are going to investigate and critique the article argument. Based on this survey and according to philosophy and sociology of technology we aim to introduce new approach to technology studies. Finally, according to new framework about technology, we try to investigate, the possibility or impossibility of religious technology.