Technology of Good and Beauty (Socrates)

Plato introduced the concept of humanism in technology through Socrates’ dialectic. In one well-known passage, Socrates hears an oracle from the Delphic priestess proclaiming, “Socrates is the wisest man in Athene.” Doubting this claim, Socrates sets out to meet those considered wise—statesmen, poets, and finally, artisans (χειροτέχνης). This passage is where Socrates’ famous “knowledge of ignorance” comes into focus.

But, men of Athens, the good artisans also seemed to me to have the same failing as the poets; because of practicing his art well, each one thought he was very wise in the other most important matters, and this folly of theirs obscured that wisdom (Apology, 22d-e).

Socrates acknowledges that, while he is not as skilled as the artisans in the “exquisite” knowledge of craftsmanship, they, in turn, do not ask deeper ethical or aesthetic questions about why their creations are good or beautiful in a human sense. The artisans, confident in their technical ability, assume they understand “the other most important matters” as well.

This observation carries significant implications about the nature of technology. Engineers, confident in their ability to manipulate objects and achieve results, often believe their work is inherently beneficial to humanity. However, Socrates points out that this assumption is fundamentally flawed. He warns against being ” neither wise in their wisdom nor foolish in their folly, or to be in both respects as they are,” as this duality often goes unnoticed.

The satisfaction that comes from overcoming difficulties, completing tasks, and achieving flow makes artisans believe their work is inherently good. Without this belief, they would struggle to maintain the rhythm needed for their tasks. This self-justification in technological practice is almost inevitable. As a result, technology may advance in precision and efficiency but lose sight of the deeper innovation that genuinely improves human life.

Socrates contrasts this with “human wisdom” (ἀνθρωπίνη σοφία) (Apology, 23a). This wisdom is not positive knowledge; Socrates famously claims to know “nothing.” His wisdom lies in understanding the limitations of human knowledge—a form of “knowledge of ignorance” that recognizes human imperfection. This self-awareness is what Socrates calls “philosophical knowledge,” and he considers it the true wisdom of humanity. In this view, “human knowledge,” or philosophy that critically questions what is good and beautiful for human beings, is a necessary condition for meaningful technological progress.

(KOGA Toru)