The good life in a technological world: Focal things and practices in the West and in Japan

This article considers the question of technology and the good life. It argues for a strong thematic connection between Albert Borgmann's thought and Japanese practices influenced by Zen Buddhism. The central concepts of Borgmann's philosophy of technology are the device paradigm versus focal things and practices. According to Borgmann, devices, in addition to being highly useful, are problematic. Life dominated by devices tends to became dull and devoid of nobility since one does not need real skills to use technological commodities, which therefore, issue no call for self-transcendence. Borgmann's remedy is the discovery of focal things amidst the technological world. Through focal practices we may restore integrity, virtue, intensity, and excellence in our lives. An examination of various Japanese forms of culture such as the tea ceremony and Kendo creates a critically assessed argument in support of Borgmann's ideas.