- Paperback: 312 pages
- Publisher: University of Chicago Press; New edition edition (1 Mar 1987)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0226066290
- ISBN-13: 978-0226066295
- Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.5 x 0.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 733,121 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Blending social analysis and philosophy, Albert Borgmann maintains that technology creates a controlling pattern in our lives. This pattern, discernible even in such an inconspicuous action as switching on a stereo, has global effects: it sharply divides life into labor and leisure, it sustains the industrial democracies, and it fosters the view that the earth itself is a technological device. He argues that technology has served us as well in conquering hunger and disease, but that when we turn to it for richer experiences, it leads instead to a life dominated by effortless and thoughtless consumption. Borgmann does not reject technology but calls for public conversation about the nature of the good life. He counsels us to make room in a technological age for matters of ultimate concern--things and practices that engage us in their own right.
About the Author
Albert Borgmann is Regents Professor of Philosophy at the University of Montana. He is the author of Crossing the Postmodern Divide, also published by the University of Chicago Press.
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First Sentence
The advanced technological way of life is usually seen as rich in styles and opportunities, pregnant with radical innovations, and open to a promising future. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
The advanced technological way of life is usually seen as rich in styles and opportunities, pregnant with radical innovations, and open to a promising future. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In Borgmann's own terms, this book is a demanding read for "normal" folk like me (it might be easier if you have a philosophy degree), but the returns are definitely worth getting over the rather high threshold. The content and ideas are worth 5 stars; but I gave it less because surely he could have written the ideas in more accessible language... maybe he has somewhere else???
The book is divided into 3 parts: The Problem, The Character, and The Reform - of Technology. The first two were the difficult ones for me, but I can see they are needed to establish his terms. The third part is what made my heart sing (in spite of titles like "Deictic Discourse"!). This is where Eugene Peterson gets his idea of 'focal practices' - disciplines you can decide to establish in your life in order to limit the effects of technology to where it should be - to a supporting, not controlling role.
If you are interested in thinking deeply about the difference between standard of living and quality of life; about having wealth rather than affluence; and about examining our lives rather than just fitting in with the dominant culture - then this is the book for you. But be prepared to work at it!
The book is divided into 3 parts: The Problem, The Character, and The Reform - of Technology. The first two were the difficult ones for me, but I can see they are needed to establish his terms. The third part is what made my heart sing (in spite of titles like "Deictic Discourse"!). This is where Eugene Peterson gets his idea of 'focal practices' - disciplines you can decide to establish in your life in order to limit the effects of technology to where it should be - to a supporting, not controlling role.
If you are interested in thinking deeply about the difference between standard of living and quality of life; about having wealth rather than affluence; and about examining our lives rather than just fitting in with the dominant culture - then this is the book for you. But be prepared to work at it!
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
1 review
2 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Not really about technology
15 Sep 2010
Format:Paperback
If you are interested in the philosophy of technology, skip this book and keep looking. Borgmann defines technology as developments since the industrial revolution. Many of his claims may stand within this narrow definition of technology but lose their force when considering technology in a broader sense.
Rather than a critique of technology, the book actually critiques consumerism. In this, the book is thought-provoking and worth reading. Although Borgmann assumes (incorrectly, I believe) a linkage between technology and consumerism, the linkage is not necessary to the critique of consumerism. Unfortunately, like most social critics, Borgmann does not present tangible suggestions for changing course.
Rather than a critique of technology, the book actually critiques consumerism. In this, the book is thought-provoking and worth reading. Although Borgmann assumes (incorrectly, I believe) a linkage between technology and consumerism, the linkage is not necessary to the critique of consumerism. Unfortunately, like most social critics, Borgmann does not present tangible suggestions for changing course.
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