The Theory of Conditionality of the Role of Modern Technologies; A Framework for the Transition from the Domination of Instrumental Smart Technologies to Acceptable and Effective Tools

Abstract Modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence, have emerged in the contemporary order not merely as technical tools, but as phenomena with profound civilizational, social, and institutional consequences. Therefore, the relationship between technology and civilization is no longer a marginal or merely functional one, but has become one of the fundamental issues of the era of civilizational transition and stabilization. This document, by proposing the "Theory of Conditionality of the Role of Modern Technologies in Civilizational Transition and Stabilization," explicitly clarifies its position against any notion of independent agency for technology [1]. According to the definition of this theory, modern technologies, especially artificial intelligence, lack independent civilizational agency and are only legitimate to be present in the era of civilizational transition and stabilization if they remain in the position of "facilitating tools" for the original civilizational agents. In this regard, any transformation of technology into a reference for decision-making, social guidance, cultural engineering, or superior power is considered an "instance of civilizational deviation and disruption" [2]. Thus, the text from the very beginning draws a clear boundary between "tool" and "agent" and considers the displacement of these two as the source of civilizational crisis. This theory is based on four fundamental pillars: first, "monopoly of civilizational agency in original agents"; second, "conditionality of the legitimacy of technology"; third, "prohibition of the displacement of tool and agent"; fourth, "confrontation with technological domination" [1]. From this perspective, the present text does not seek to negate technology, but to determine its correct, conditional, and limited relationship with humanity and civilization. The main issue in this document is not merely the existence or development of technology, but the manner of its establishment in its proper place; a place where technology remains in the service of human and civilizational order and avoids becoming a reference for domination, guidance, or decision-making [3]. Therefore, the introduction of this theory is also an introduction to a civilizational warning: if the tool takes the place of the agent, if technology transforms from a facilitator into a ruler, and if its legitimacy shifts from service to domination, then not only technology but also the very foundations of identity and civilization will be disrupted [4].