Covert Quote by Philip E. Agre
“Technology at present is covert philosophy; the point is to make it overtly philosophical.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Technology and Philosophy Conference, 1995
Current tech hides philosophical ideas; the goal is to reveal them openly.
In simple terms: Tech hides philosophy; make it visible.
Key Takeaway
Expose underlying ideas in technology.
Themes
technology
philosophy
transparency
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
theoretical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- product development
- AI ethics
- public policy
- education curricula
Key Concepts
epistemology
design ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden assumptions shape our tools?
- How can we make tech more philosophically transparent?
A Different Perspective
Complex systems may resist clear philosophical articulation.
![“The technology [semiconductors] which has transformed practical existence is largely an application of what was discovered by these allegedly irresponsible [natural] philosophers.” quote by Cyril Norman Hinshelwood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c3e/cyril-norman-hinshelwood-63052_application_the-technology-semiconductors-which-has_2160412.jpg)
![“We have the ability to take him [President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez] out, and I think the time has come that we exercise that ability. We don't need another $200 billion war to get rid of one, you know, strong-arm dictator. It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job…” quote by Pat Robertson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/194/pat-robertson-1972_ability_we-have-the-ability-to-take-him-presiden_23256.jpg)
![“To give [the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba] even covert support is on a par with the hypocrisy and cynicism for which the United States is constantly denouncing the Soviet Union in the United Nations and elsewhere. This point will not be lost on the rest of the world, nor on our own consciences.” quote by J. William Fulbright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/48f/j-william-fulbright-7682_bay-of-pigs_to-give-the-bay-of-pigs-invasion-of-cuba_203573.jpg)
