Paper short abstract:

In mythology Talos is depicted as a machine-like creature made of bronze. Created by Hephaestus, Talos has the task of protecting Crete. Eventually Talos perishes at the hands of Medea. Technology should not be venerated since it functions in service of humanity and technology is vulnerable.

Paper long abstract:

In Greek mythology Talos is depicted as a machine-like creature, called an automaton (self-moving creature) made of bronze. Talos is created by the god Hephaestus, the god of forging and industry. Talos is assigned the task of protecting the island of Crete. He has to patrol the island by walking around the island three times daily. When danger approaches Talos must protect the islanders by throwing rocks at the enemies. Eventually Talos perishes when under attack by the hero Jason assisted by the witch Medea. Medea exploits a weak point in the construction of Talos when a leak in his machinery is identified. When it comes to the place of technology in our current context, we can deduce principles from the myth of Talos: (a.) Talos is neither a god nor human. Although he has a supernatural origin he is not worshiped as divine. Talos is created with anthropomorphic characteristics but is not human. (b.) Talos receives the task to protect humans. He is serving humans to the benefit of humanity. (c.) Talos is vulnerable and can stop functioning and even stop existing. The myth of Talos can provide direction in our current context on how technology should be viewed: technology is an invention and not the inventor. Technology is functional and intended for human use to the benefit of humanity. Technology is vulnerable and can fail human needs. Myths can take on the status of divine inspired authoritarian prescriptive directives as to how human life should be. Myths can also be describing human fallibility on placing unfounded dependence on technology. In this regard myths can function as windows to the future or as a mirror of the past. A window opens up new possibilities and give hope and direction, whereas a mirror reflects reality, truth and flaws.