Beyond quantification and computerization: The role of philosophy of technology in digital humanities research and teaching

This paper explores the crucial role of Philosophy in Digital Humanities arguing that beyond the technical aspects of digitization and computational representation Digital Humanities must critically engage with the philosophical dimensions of digitality. Philosophy –particularly Philosophy of Technology and Philosophy of the Digital– offers essential tools for analyzing how digital technologies (re)shape knowledge, culture, society and experience of humans. Through an examination of key Digital Humanities texts, this paper identifies the current position of Philosophy in the field, showing how it has often been limited to a supplementary role. The paper argues, then, that by incorporating philosophical inquiry drawn from Philosophy of Technology, Digital Humanities scholars can move beyond mere quantification and computerization to critically assess the ontological, ethical, epistemological and political implications of digital transformation. Thus the importance of the inclusion of a philosophical examination of the new digital ontological condition is highlighted. Without such an integration, Digital Humanities risks becoming a purely technical field, losing sight of its potential to question and shape the digital condition and humans’ experience. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a redefined Digital Humanities that embraces Philosophy of Technology as a core element, ensuring that the field remains both innovative and critically engaged with the digital age.