| Abstrakt: |
Artifacts are embedded in networks of interpretations. This chapter studies the telephone through a series of interpretations in various arenas, like philosophy of technology, guidelines for correct telephone behavior, research and development, and design studies. A main argument in the paper is that there is no privileged arena whereupon the "nature" of an artifact is determined. Further, it is argued that reinterpretation is an ongoing process. The interpretations of the telephone affect questions other than whether the telephone is a telegraph; questions about how it should be used, what it should look like, and what influence or significance it has or will get in society. The understanding of the telephone has also direct influence on the understanding of other communication technologies, technologies closely related to the telephone. |
