A Study on Jacques Ellul’s Critique of Technological Autonomy
Jacques Ellul’s The Technological Society critiques technology’s autonomous, self-reinforcing system that dominates modern life. It examines technological determinism, efficiency obsession, and human alienation, anticipating digital age challenges. Essential reading for understanding technology’s societal impacts. Free PDF available.
A Study on Jacques Ellul’s Critique of Technological Autonomy
I. Introduction to the Thinker
Jacques Ellul (1912-1994) was a renowned 20th-century French sociologist, philosopher, and critical theorist of technology. As a pioneering figure in the philosophy of technology, he became famous for his profound critique of technological society, with his ideas profoundly influencing subsequent technological ethics research.
II. Representative Work
“The Technological Society” (1954) is Ellul’s magnum opus, systematically presenting his theory of technological autonomy. In this groundbreaking work, Ellul introduced the concept of “la technique” (the technological system), arguing that modern technology has evolved into an autonomous, self-reinforcing system.
III. Core Ideas
- Theory of Technological Autonomy:
- Technological systems possess inherent developmental logic
- Technology follows a singular value orientation prioritizing efficiency
- Technological development exhibits self-reinforcing characteristics
- Critique of Technological Alienation:
- Technology transforms from tool to environment
- Humans change from technology users to the dominated
- All social spheres become colonized by technological logic
- Technological Determinism:
- Technological development determines social formation
- Technological choices shape human behavior
- Technological standards become new social norms
IV. Intellectual Influence
Ellul’s ideas anticipated:
- Algorithmic governance in the digital age
- The formation of technocratic systems
- Technological dependence in modern society
V. Resource Access
The English PDF version of “The Technological Society” is available through the Monoskop platform:
Download Link
VI. Contemporary Relevance
Ellul’s critical theory provides important perspectives for understanding:
- Autonomy risks in artificial intelligence
- Social media algorithms’ control over humans
- Conflicts between technological development and social values
Ellul’s theory of technological autonomy remains an important reference framework in technology philosophy and technological ethics research, offering significant insights for contemporary technology governance.
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