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.

The Technological Society
AuthorJacques Ellul
Original titleLa Technique ou l'Enjeu du siècle
TranslatorJohn Wilkinson
CountryUnited States
LanguageFrench, English
GenrePhilosophy, Sociology, Philosophy of Technology
PublisherVintage Books
Publication date
1954
Published in English
1964
Pages332

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.

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See also

References
  1. 1912-1994., Ellul, Jacques (1964). The technological society. New York: Vintage Books. pp. xxv. ISBN 9780394703909. OCLC 1955603.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

Bibliography

Further reading
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