This post provoked me to think about how existing social, economic, technological, and political structures and memeplexes: the modern city, capitalism, religion, mass media, electoral democracy, etc. deplete human agency substantially (at least compared to some alternatives).
There is also a rich tradition of thinking about this issue in philosophy: apart from Heidegger and Kaczynski (Unabomber), the following philosophers wrote on these topics (via ChatGPT):
Jacques Ellul: Ellul was a French philosopher and sociologist who extensively examined the effects of modern technology on society. His book “The Technological Society” explores how technology becomes an autonomous force that shapes human existence and erodes individual freedom.
Herbert Marcuse: A German-American philosopher, Marcuse delved into the critical analysis of technology and its role in modern capitalism. His work “One-Dimensional Man” discusses how advanced industrial society uses technology to manipulate and control individuals, limiting their ability to dissent.
Albert Borgmann: Borgmann, a contemporary philosopher, has written about the effects of technology on human life and culture. His book “Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life” argues for the importance of reclaiming human experiences and values from the overwhelming influence of technological systems.
Jean Baudrillard: Baudrillard, a French sociologist and philosopher, examined the ways in which technology and media shape contemporary society. His concept of “hyperreality” suggests that our experience of reality is increasingly mediated by technology, leading to a loss of authenticity.
Neil Postman: Postman, an American cultural critic, explored the impact of technology on society and education. His book “Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology” warns against the dangers of an uncritical embrace of technology and advocates for a more mindful approach to its integration.
This post provoked me to think about how existing social, economic, technological, and political structures and memeplexes: the modern city, capitalism, religion, mass media, electoral democracy, etc. deplete human agency substantially (at least compared to some alternatives).
There is also a rich tradition of thinking about this issue in philosophy: apart from Heidegger and Kaczynski (Unabomber), the following philosophers wrote on these topics (via ChatGPT):
Jacques Ellul: Ellul was a French philosopher and sociologist who extensively examined the effects of modern technology on society. His book “The Technological Society” explores how technology becomes an autonomous force that shapes human existence and erodes individual freedom.
Herbert Marcuse: A German-American philosopher, Marcuse delved into the critical analysis of technology and its role in modern capitalism. His work “One-Dimensional Man” discusses how advanced industrial society uses technology to manipulate and control individuals, limiting their ability to dissent.
Albert Borgmann: Borgmann, a contemporary philosopher, has written about the effects of technology on human life and culture. His book “Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life” argues for the importance of reclaiming human experiences and values from the overwhelming influence of technological systems.
Jean Baudrillard: Baudrillard, a French sociologist and philosopher, examined the ways in which technology and media shape contemporary society. His concept of “hyperreality” suggests that our experience of reality is increasingly mediated by technology, leading to a loss of authenticity.
Neil Postman: Postman, an American cultural critic, explored the impact of technology on society and education. His book “Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology” warns against the dangers of an uncritical embrace of technology and advocates for a more mindful approach to its integration.