Technology and the Extension of Human Capabilities.

This paper argues that a defining aspect of technology is the role that it plays in extending human capabilities. The conception of extension defended here is first compared with some well known extension theories from the philosophy of technology and then developed both by considering extension as a form of 'enrolment' and by integrating this conception of extension within a more general, ontological, conception of material artefacts. By drawing attention to the 'extension' aspect of technology, however, the intention is not only to distinguish technology from other material artefacts, but also to attempt to contribute to understanding of the peculiar position technology occupies in modern societies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]