The Technological Society
Book by Jacques Ellul
 | |
| Author | Jacques Ellul |
|---|---|
| Original title | La Technique ou l'Enjeu du siècle |
| Translator | John Wilkinson |
| Country | United States |
| Language | French, English |
| Genre | Philosophy, Sociology, Philosophy of Technology |
| Publisher | Vintage Books |
Publication date | 1954 |
Published in English | 1964 |
| Pages | 332 |
The Technological Society is a book on the subject of technique by French philosopher, theologian and sociologist Jacques Ellul. Originally published in French in 1954, it was translated into English in 1964.
On technique
The central concept defining a technological society is technique. Technique is different from machines, technology, or procedures for attaining an end. "In our technological society, technique is the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency (for a given stage of development) in every field of human activity."[1]
Summary
Ellul argues that modern society is being dominated by technique, which he defines as a series of means that are established to achieve an end. Technique is ultimately focused on the concept of efficiency. The term "technique" is to be comprehended in its broadest possible meaning as it touches upon virtually all areas of life, including science, automation, but also politics and human relations.
See also
- Lewis Mumford – his series of works on technology is referred to and critiqued in The Technological Society.
- Ted Kaczynski – Industrial Society and Its Future extensively used Ellul's arguments from The Technological Society.
References
- ^ Ellul, Jacques (1964). The technological society. New York: Vintage Books. pp. xxv. ISBN 9780394703909. OCLC 1955603.
Bibliography
- Matlack, Samuel. "Confronting the Technological Society". Thenewatlantis.com. The New Atlantis. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
- "The Technological Society". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
- Lichtheim, George (1964-11-19). "A Nous la Liberte". The New York Review of Books. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
- Ellul, Jacques (1964). The Technological Society. Toronto: Vintage Books.
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Jacques Ellul
- The Technological Society (1954)
- Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes (1962)
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