ものづくり文化について

Abstract

The title of this paper uses the words, " technological" and " culture." It makes us feel a little bit strange to connect technology and culture. This paper deals with why we feel it strange. If we want to know the reason, we have to go back to Plato. Plato explained about the structure of this world by using a maker as a model. This world is made by imitation of the real world, Idea. A craftsman makes a desk by imitating the desk of Idea. A craftsman is inferior to a philosopher who meditates on the Idea. Plato sees this world as a maker but does not respect a craftsman(practical art). This way of thinking is reflected in the thoughts of Geman thinkers like Kant, who place much value on culture. Their culture does not include technology. Such a way of thinking comes to Japan in the Taisho era, and is different from what Japanese have thought about the structure of this world, and technology (craftsmen).