On the Relation between Technê and Ethical Sphere in Ancient Greek

Year 2018, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 191 - 213, 21.07.2018

Tuba Nur Umut

https://doi.org/10.18491/beytulhikme.446504

Abstract

This study tries to show
the relation between technê and the ethical sphere in the Ancient Greek
through mythology and the philosophical literature. Both in mythology
and in the philosophical framework the benefits of technê and the power
provided by technê for humanity are emphasized. And technê is considered
as competence increases the control of human beings in practical areas.
However, the ambiguous character of the human experience related to
technê and the morally problematic character of this field is also
pointed out in the literature. Because, if not controlled, technê has a
potential to turn easily against humanity and to produce things that
would harm human beings. At this point, ethical values have a crucial
role in the control of technê. Technê as a type of knowledge which gives
how to do things and how to control the environment but does not give
why something is to be done and cannot give an ultimate goal should be
subject to higher spheres in the philosophical framework. Therefore
technê is subject to ethical and ultimately metaphysical sphere.

Keywords

Ancient Greek thought, technê, phronêsis, epistêmê, ethics

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