Uomo e tecnica. Spunti per una riflessione nel pensiero medievale.

The paper suggests two ways in which medieval thought can provide us with some interesting elements for discussing the problems of the current technological and digital revolution. The first is the fact that medieval Christian thought from the XIIth century did not despise technological innovations of the time as philosophically invaluable: from Hugues of Saint Victor onwards, we find some interesting philosophical reflections on the nature, scope and significance of technological development for mankind. The second is rooted in the general attitude of metaphysical optimism that was typical of the Latin Middle Ages and which was reflected above all in the idea of the supreme dignity of man and his central place in creation. Starting from the patristic tradition, from Johannes Scottus Eriugena to Robert Grosseteste and beyond, medieval thought established that the human microcosmus is the center of all creation and that all natural things are oriented towards it as their ultimate goal. Two conclusions can be drawn from these historical facts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]