An explorative philosophical study of envisaging the electrical energy infrastructure of the future

Verkerk, M, Ribiero, P, Basden, A and Hoogland, J 2018, 'An explorative philosophical study of envisaging the electrical energy infrastructure of the future' , Philosophia Reformata, 83 (1) , pp. 90-110.

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Abstract

The electrical energy infrastructure is one of the key life-sustaining technologies of contemporary Western society. This infrastructure is extremely complex due to its size, its multifarious technologies, and its interweaving with societal structures. Smart grids are important in future infrastructure, yet extant literature does not adequately address this complexity. This paper argues that different elements of the philosophy of Dooyeweerd offer a key to understanding this intricate complexity more fundamentally. Key concepts are the ideas of normative practices, enkapsis (intertwinement) of practices, individuality structures, and ideals and basic beliefs. By developing these ideas in the context of smart grid engineering, our research contributes to philosophy of technology, philosophy of design, and philosophy of sustainability. It offers an ontological analysis of these infrastructures, pointing a direction to the development of workable infrastructures and supporting the transition to a sustainable society.

Item Type:	Article
Schools:	Schools > Salford Business School Schools > School of the Built Environment
Journal or Publication Title:	Philosophia Reformata
Publisher:	Brill Academic Publishers
ISSN:	2352-8230
Related URLs:	Publisher
Depositing User:	A Basden
Date Deposited:	31 May 2018 14:01
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2022 23:20
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/47163

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