cosmotechnics

Cosmotechnics is a term that describes the relationship between a civilization's cosmology, its technological development, and the way it shapes its environment. It suggests that technology is not a universal or neutral force, but rather is deeply intertwined with a society's worldview, values, and understanding of the cosmos. The concept posits that different cultures, influenced by their unique cosmologies, will inevitably develop distinct technological practices and patterns.

This idea challenges the notion of a single, linear path of technological progress. Instead, it highlights the potential for diverse technological expressions arising from varied cultural and philosophical foundations. Cosmotechnics explores how a society's perception of nature, humanity's place within it, and the ultimate purpose of existence can influence the kinds of technologies it creates, the materials it uses, and the ways it interacts with the natural world. For example, a cosmology that emphasizes harmony with nature might lead to different technological choices than one that prioritizes human dominion over it.

The term has been used to analyze historical technological developments and to consider the implications of globalization and the spread of particular technologies. It encourages a critical examination of our own technological trajectory, prompting questions about whether it aligns with our deepest values and understanding of the world. By considering the cosmological underpinnings of technology, cosmotechnics offers a framework for understanding the diversity of human innovation and for imagining alternative technological futures.