The purpose of this paper is to explore the foundations of a general theory of technical culture, based on the notion of technical system and on the scientific concept of culture. To this end, several basic notions of the philosophy of technique, as technique, technology and technical system, are defined. Then, a distinction is proposed between cultural elements embodied in technical systems, and elements of technical culture which are not embodied in technical systems. Finally, a general view of the impact of cultural factors in technical change is drawn
