The Technological Society
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.
 | |
| 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 |
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, whose series of works on technology is referred to and critiqued in Technological Society.
- The Question Concerning Technology – Martin Heidegger
References
Bibliography
- Matlack, Samuel. "Confronting the Technological Society". Thenewatlantic.com. The New Atlantis. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
- "The Technological Society". Kirkus Reviews. 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.