The views of Turkish thinkers of the Republican era on the concept of technology and its reflection on the education system

Technology which has provided humanity with a different development opportunity throughout the historical process, is of great importance in terms of what it means for humanity. Technology which can create new ways and new possibilities sometimes with science, sometimes with crafts, and sometimes on its own, has always had a powerful impact. According to Aydın Sayılı, technology, in addition to driving societal changes, also indirectly affects the human mindset. With the rapid advancement of technology, people's modes of communication, thought patterns, behaviors, and worldviews are constantly evolving. Due to its global ramifications, technology has become a focal point for philosophers, sociologists, and other scholars. Each century has observed the emergence of various technologies in response to its needs, influenced by the impact of technology and scientific advancements. These technologies are commonly accepted without much scrutiny. However, it's crucial to note that technology extends beyond mere tools and machinery; it encompasses a broader spectrum. The importance of cultural factors in the progress of science and technology is as significant as the role of the education factor. According to Fuat Sezgin, science and technology do not emerge by chance or as independent processes. In his view, they gradually multiply, much like a river originating from small sources, then flow rapidly and expand. Sciences and technologies have developed by traversing different individuals and diverse cultural worlds, becoming the shared history of all humanity. From this perspective, the study aims to examine philosophy of technology based on the literature and the philosophies of Turkish thinkers regarding technology. In pursuit of this objective, the philosophical ideas presented within the realm of technology have been considered significant. Research has sought to discover the views of prominent Turkish thinkers on technology, investigate whether the Turkish education system has a philosophy concerning technology to adapt to changing conditions, and assess whether Turkish thinkers have made intellectual contributions to this field. In this study Fuat Sezgin and Aydın Sayılı who examined the contributions of preand post-Republic Turkish-Islamic civilization to science and technology, were selected. Nermi Uygur, who approaches the subject with a more contemporary and philosophical perspective, is another thinker chosen for the study. When collecting data, the relationship between technology and science, the general philosophical literature on technology, an analysis of the thinkers' works, and the minutes of meetings related to science and technology in the Ministry of National Education (MEB) and Turkey were consulted The research findings suggest that Fuat Sezgin and Aydın Sayılı were in agreement regarding the significance of technology in historical and national development. While it is concluded in Fuat Sezgin that the transferred science and technology should be learned correctly through the education system and that programs and environments which will develop creative ideas and new technologies should be prepared, in Aydın Sayılı the importance of science-based education for the development of civilization and technology is seen. Nermi Uygur's cultural perspective, described as "conscience technology," suggests that education should go beyond merely imparting the skills to develop technology and focus on respecting human values and ethics in resolving relationships and dilemmas related to technology. The research indicates that scientific and technological developments are part of state policies. However during science and technology-related meetings, discussions often focus on economic and international matters, while the impact of technology on human existence and the environment is rarely considered. Based on an examination of thinkers' sources it has been determined that incorporating adequate knowledge about the history of science and technology into educational programs can increase the self-confidence of future generations. Furthermore it can contribute to their better understanding and embracing of the purpose, significance, and culture of technology. The findings were discussed within the framework of the literature on universal technology philosophies, thinkers' technology philosophies and education system policies.