Author
Friedrich Rapp
Bio: Friedrich Rapp is an academic researcher from Technical University of Berlin. The author has contributed to research in topics: Philosophy of technology & Technological change. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 28 publications receiving 326 citations.
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01 Jan 1981
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the stages of the philosophy of technology and the development of modern technology, and discuss the challenges of defining the concept of "technology" and the problems of diversity of approaches.
Abstract: I. Stages of the Philosophy of Technology.- 1. Introduction.- 2. The Engineering Perspective.- 3. Philosophy of Culture.- 4. Social Criticism.- 5. The Earth as a System.- 6. The Problem of Diversity of Approaches.- II. Differing Versions of the Concept of 'Technology'.- 1. Problems of Definition.- 2. Historical and Systematic Analysis.- 3. Periods in the History of Technology.- 4. Semantic Variations of the Concept of 'Technology'.- 5. Attempts at Definition.- III. Methodological Analysis.- 1. The Determinants of Technological Development.- 2. The Range of Action.- 3. The Transformation of the Material World.- 4. The Neutrality of Technological Means.- 5. Hypothetical Imperatives.- 6. Technological Progress.- IV. The Road to Modern Technology.- 1. The Socio-cultural Approach.- 2. Historical Determination.- 3. Magical and Technological Thinking.- 4. Socio-economic Conditions.- 5. Technological Foundations.- 6. The Industrial Revolution.- 7. Engineering Sciences and Natural Sciences.- 8. Intellectual Prerequisites.- a. Valuation of Work.- b. Efficient Management.- c. The Impulse for Technological Creativity.- d. Rational Thought and the Enlightenment.- e. Objectification of Nature.- f. The Mechanistic View of Nature.- g. The Mathematical Model.- h. Experimental Investigations.- 9. Complex Interconnections.- 10. Natural Instinct and Volitional Creativity.- V. The Technological World.- 1. Nature and Artifacts.- 2. The Cosmic Dimension.- 3. Accumulation and 'Self-Reinforcement'.- 4. The Acting Individuals.- 5. Individual Freedom and Collective Tasks.- 6. The Universality of Modern Technology.- a. The Transformation of the Physical World.- b. The Changed Situation of Life.- c. Worldwide Expansion.- 7. The Benefits of Technology and Their Cost.- 8. Changed Criteria.- 9. New Values.- 10. The Crisis in the Assessment of Technology.- Name Index.
58 citations
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2,839 citations
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01 Jan 1966
TL;DR: Koestler as mentioned in this paper examines the idea that we are at our most creative when rational thought is suspended, for example, in dreams and trancelike states, and concludes that "the act of creation is the most creative act in human history".
Abstract: While the study of psychology has offered little in the way of explaining the creative process, Koestler examines the idea that we are at our most creative when rational thought is suspended--for example, in dreams and trancelike states. All who read The Act of Creation will find it a compelling and illuminating book.
2,201 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed the concept of IT competency using structural equations modeling with data collected from managers in 271 manufacturing firms, and they showed that organizational learning plays a significant role in mediating the effects of IT competence on firm performance.
Abstract: Many companies have developed strategies that include investing heavily in information technology (IT) in order to enhance their performance. Yet, this investment pays off for some companies but not others. This study proposes that organization learning plays a significant role in determining the outcomes of IT. Drawing from resource theory and IT literature, the authors develop the concept of IT competency. Using structural equations modeling with data collected from managers in 271 manufacturing firms, they show that organizational learning plays a significant role in mediating the effects of IT competency on firm performance. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1,705 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a fairly thorough account of multiple discrepancies theory is presented, with a review of its historical antecedents and an examination of its strength in accounting for the happiness (H) and satisfaction (S) of nearly 700 university undergraduates.
Abstract: A fairly thorough account of multiple discrepancies theory (MDT) is presented, with a review of its historical antecedents and an examination of its strength in accounting for the happiness (H) and satisfaction (S) of nearly 700 university undergraduates. Basically, MDT asserts that H and S are functions of perceived gaps between what one has and wants, relevant others have, the best one has had in the past, expected to have 3 years ago, expects to have after 5 years, deserves and needs. MDT explained 49% of the variance in H, 53% in global S and 50% or more in 7 out of 12 domain S scores. The domains studied were health, finances, family, job, friendships, housing, area, recreation, religion, self-esteem, transportation and education.
811 citations
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01 Jan 1977
TL;DR: This article pointed out that not only does Whitehead introduce a novel terminology, but the work itself is somewhat amorphous in character, and this despite his attempt to state a categoreal scheme in terms of which all our experience is to be described.
Abstract: In discussing the philosophical system put forward in PR, we need to point out that not only does Whitehead introduce a novel terminology, but the work itself is somewhat amorphous in character, and this despite his attempt to state a categoreal scheme — a general scheme of ideas in terms of which all our experience is to be described. There is also a considerable amount of overlap between the various parts of this book. It might have been a clearer and more effective work if Whitehead had engaged in some judicious pruning before publication.
507 citations