Autonomous Technology: Technics-out-of-Control as a Theme in Political Thought

This book is simply the best introduction to the philosophy and politics of technology. No competition.Winner discusses a wide range of literature on the subject, from authors such as Jacques Ellul, Marx, Heidegger, and others. He uses these ideas as a springboard to cover many of the ideas they brought up with much more depth and clarity.Some of the most interesting ideas discussed include (amongst others):* "Reverse adaptation" -- when technologies force us to modify our ends/goals/purposes in order to meet the needs of our means/tools/techniques* "Technological imperative" -- how technology changes the structure of human societies, even before they have been put into use (e.g. in order to create an environment conducive to their use)* "Neutrality" -- Winner smashes the myth of tools being "neutral" (the idea that tools can't be inherently good or bad, and that only the way they are *used* can be good/bad)Don't be put off by the fact that the book was originally published back in the 1970s -- the ideas are every bit as applicable (much more so actually...) today as they were then.Highly recommended.

An excellent historical overview of the problems of technology. It does go a little overboard with its repeated referral to Jacques Ellul, but if one hasn't read Ellul, the book is a good introduction.

Winner writes a very important, readable, thoughtful book on how technology influences and controls our vision of the world. This is an important counter balance to those who believe technology is he answer to everything.

Fine