Hans Achterhuis

Herman Johan "Hans" Achterhuis, born on September 1, 1942, in Hengelo, The Netherlands, is an Emeritus Professor of Systematic Philosophy at the University of Twente. His research primarily concerns social and political philosophy, as well as the philosophy of technology. Achterhuis's work explores a philosophy of things (objects) and advocates for a morality of machines, arguing that objects, rather than being morally neutral, actively guide our behavior. He posits that this guidance, exemplified by how barriers in subways compel ticket purchases, exerts a more effective moral pressure than sanctions or attempts to change people's thinking. He believes that while utopia may be superseded, the world can still be improved by seriously considering our moral connections to the surrounding machines and devices. In 2011, Achterhuis was appointed the first Philosopher Laureate of the Netherlands, an honorary title aimed at having a prominent philosopher engage with the public and place current events in a broader context. His notable publications include 'The Legacy of Utopia' and 'Policy of Good Intentions,' which examines the tension between morality and politics in the context of the Kosovo War. He also co-authored 'American Philosophy of Technology: The Empirical Turn.'