Device paradigm

In the philosophy of technology, the device paradigm is the way "technological devices" are perceived and consumed in modern society, according to Albert Borgmann. He introduced the term to help in understanding the nature of modern technology. Borgmann recommends the development or restoration of what he calls "focal things and practices" as a way of overcoming the device paradigm.

The term is meant to signify or distinguish between technological devices and "focal things and practices." The term, Device Paradigm, was introduced into the literature of philosophy of technology by Albert Borgmann in his 1984 book, Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life: A Philosophical Inquiry.

Borgmann introduced the term to explain the hidden nature and power of technological devices operating in our world. According to Borgmann postmodern culture is infused with technological devices to such an extent that humans are incapable of perceiving how bad human life has been affected by this hidden model of living. He believes people are unable to live the good life. To rectify this situation Borgmann recommends developing "focal things and practices" as a way to mitigate the harmful effect of this hidden technological paradigm and overcome our reliance on these devices.

In Borgmann's terminology, a device is an artifact or instrument or tool or gadget or mechanism, which may be physical or conceptual, including hardware and software. According to Borgmann, in the postmodern world that we now inhabit the trend of technology is to develop mechanisms and devices that are increasingly hidden behind service interfaces.

As technological devices increase the availability of a commodity or service, they also push these devices into the background where people do not pay attention to their destructive tendencies. To use a metaphor, there is a two-edged sword operating here. Technology increases the availability of goods but the devices that we rely upon to provide us these commodities lie hidden in the background and have a profound adverse effect on people's lives.

Borgmann does not take issue with the increase in the quality and quantity of goods. As he says, "Goods that are available to us enrich our lives and, if they are technologically available, they do so without imposing burdens on us. Something is available in this sense if it has been rendered instantaneous, ubiquitous, safe, and easy."

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