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We hear the stories every so often. A study concludes that internet usage is making us "dumber", while another connects online activity to anxiety or depression. A respected journalist questions whether our advanced technology is really improving our lives. A mass movement of people deleting their Facebook or Twitter accounts sweeps through the community.
As developers, we hear these stories, and we shrug. Luddites and fearmongers, we call them. But don't they have a point? Do we truly understand what technology is, and how it impacts our society, the way we think and what we value? An important conversation is taking place. As Rails developers, as professionals working on the cutting edge of consumer technology, we should be involved.
This talk is a brief introduction to the philosophy of technology. We'll examine a few of the major views-- the writings of the philosophers, academics, and engineers who are asking questions regarding technology and society. We'll also explore what these questions mean for us as developers, what they can tell us about our profession, and what we can uniquely contribute to the conversation. We may not find a lot of solid answers, but we'll plow a rich field for discussion, and maybe gain a new perspective into just what it is that we spend our time doing.

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In the talk titled **"Humanity On Rails"** presented by **Daniel Azuma** at **Rails Conf 2013**, the discussion revolves around the impact of technology on society and the philosophy underlying it, particularly for developers.

The speaker initiates a critical dialogue on the contemporary relationship between technology, social media, and our understanding of what it means to be connected in today's world. The key points covered in the session include:

- **Perception of Technology**: Discussion starts with the observation that social media can offer a distorted sense of connection and living, highlighted by the anecdote regarding comparing friend counts on platforms like Facebook.
- **Diversity in Tech**: Azuma emphasizes the need for increased diversity within the developer community, asking tough questions regarding existing imbalances and how the community can improve inclusivity.
- **Philosophical Inquiry**: The speaker recounts his own journey back to studying philosophy of technology after being laid off, exploring how technology shapes our existence, thought processes, and interactions.
- **Historical Context**: A brief overview of historical philosophical perspectives is provided, from early views tying technology to craftsmanship to more modern critiques focusing on efficiency and control, such as those by Jacques Ellul and Martin Heidegger.
- **Device Paradigm**: Albert Borgmann's concept of the "device paradigm" is introduced, contrasting the convenience of technology (commodity) with the hidden mechanics (mechanism) behind it. Azuma relates this to software development practices like encapsulation.
- **Impact on Human Interaction**: The discussion touches upon how technology, such as Twitter, shapes, mediates, and sometimes constrains our communications, with Azuma expressing a personal disdain for the platform's limitations on nuanced conversation.
- **Moral Considerations**: Alongside these observations, questions are raised about whether technology itself has intrinsic values or biases, and how developers should consider these values when creating technology.
- **Engagement and Responsibility**: The importance of community engagement, especially in open-source environments, is expressed as a way to combat hidden biases and foster meaningful technology.
- **Final Thoughts**: Azuma concludes with a call to action for developers to be aware of not just the mechanics of technology, but its cultural implications, biases, and the ethical responsibilities that come with it. He encourages continuous dialogue and offers resources for further learning and understanding.

Overall, the talk aims to instigate reflection and deeper engagement among developers in understanding how their work influences societal values and interactions, emphasizing the unique position developers hold in shaping future technology.

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