The Technological Society
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1954
449
Book • Nonfiction
1950s
1954
Adult
18+ years
In The Technological Society, Jacques Ellul argues that "technique," defined as the pursuit of rational and efficient methods in all fields, dominates modern life, rendering human control over technology illusory and marking the end of traditional social constructs. He identifies seven characteristics of technique, such as rationality, artificiality, and autonomy, illustrating its pervasive influence.
Informative
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Unnerving
Contemplative
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Jacques Ellul's The Technological Society is praised for its deep, insightful analysis of technology's pervasive impacts on society and human behavior, highlighting its foresight and intellectual rigor. However, some readers find the prose dense and the tone overly pessimistic. The book remains a seminal, though challenging, critique of modern technological dependence.
A reader who would enjoy The Technological Society by Jacques Ellul is likely interested in the philosophical and sociological implications of technology's role in modern life. They may also appreciate books like Neil Postman's Technopoly or Marshall McLuhan's Understanding Media, which similarly examine the effects of technological advancement on society.
1,333 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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449
Book • Nonfiction
1950s
1954
Adult
18+ years
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