The problem and sociopolitical confusion of ‘technological neutrality’: The case of the Observatorio de Neutralidad Tecnológica in Spain

Abstract

This article analyses the concept of ‘technological neutrality’ and the sociopolitical confusion that derives from an incorrect use of the term, as in the case of the new Observatorio de Neutralidad Tecnológica. It begins by formulating the problem and then offers a brief historical review of the main contributions that the philosophy, sociology and history of technology have made towards refuting the principle of technological neutrality. It goes on to analyse the connection that exists between politics and technology insofar as this shapes the polis and society, and looks at the need to focus on a true philosophy and political sociology of technology. Lastly, it examines what meaning the concept of technological neutrality has for the Observatorio de Neutralidad Tecnológica, from which we can conclude that the term has been used in an incorrect and ambiguous way, and it makes a sociological and philosophical critique of the authors of the Observatorio’s reports. The main conclusion is that, on the one hand, the term should be modified and that, on the other, the Observatorio does not seem to make explicit the political philosophy underlying its approach, which leads to a series of theoretical difficulties that it is important to reconsider.