Evolutionary Robotics, Organic Computing and Adaptive Ambience : Epistemological and Ethical Implications of Technomorphic Descriptions of Technologies

The central features and performances of technologies are often referred to as if they were living entities, thus they are supposed to act as human agents, simulate human activities, properties or skills. Technomorphic and biomorphic descriptions are not only present in everyday language use, but within the sciences as well. In this book, the authors reflect on the methodological, anthropological as well as normative roles metaphors play in the development and implementation of adaptive and intelligent technologies. The structures, areas of applications and implications of technomorphic and biomorphic descriptions are put under scrutiny in order to provide guiding knowledge for technology developers and policy makers and initiate critical refelctions of exposure to new technologies. Michael Decker is (Full) Professor for Technology Assessment. Mathias Gutmann is (Full) Professor for Philosophy of Technology. Julia Knifka is Teaching and Research Assistant in the Department of Philosophy. All three editors are researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). (Series: Hermeneutics and Anthropology / Hermeneutik und Anthropologie - Vol. 6) [Subject: Technology, Robotics, Sociology, Anthropology]