#2248

Mentioned in 12 episodes

The Technological Society

Book • 1964

In 'The Technological Society,' Jacques Ellul discusses the concept of 'technique,' which he defines as the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency in every field of human activity.

Ellul argues that modern society is dominated by this 'technique,' which is focused on efficiency and has infiltrated all aspects of human existence, including science, automation, politics, and human relations.

He warns that this technological system threatens human freedom and responsibility, and that it has taken on a life of its own, independent of human control.

The book explores the historical rise of 'technique,' its characteristics, and its profound impact on society, highlighting the need for a critical reevaluation of the role of technology in human life.

Mentioned by

Howard Rheingold

John Stonestreet

Mentioned in 12 episodes

Mentioned as a source for Kaczynski's ideas on technology and society.

The Sunday Read: ‘The Strange, Post-Partisan Popularity of the Unabomber’

Mentioned throughout the podcast as the central theme, exploring his critique of technology's dehumanizing effects.

Why Technology is Enslaving and Dehumanizing Us

Mentioned by

Mark Hurst

as a favorite author who inspired Tectonic, warning about the spread of technology.

Duncan Moench on "soylent screens" and producerism from Jul 14, 2025

Mentioned by

Howard Rheingold

to illustrate the idea that efficiency colonizes everything.

Howard Rheingold on Lucid Life Online & Attention As A 21st Century Literacy

Mentioned by

John Stonestreet

in the context of discussing the application of technology to medicine and the illusion of control.

The Fallout From 10 Years of Obergefell and Colorado’s Radical New Laws

Besproken in de podcast als een van Ellul's belangrijkste werken over techniek en de technologische samenleving.

Mentioned by

Josh White

while discussing the negative impacts of modern civilization.

We Are What We Love

Mentioned by

Josh Neal

in the context of his critique of technology and its impact on society.

Episode 1192: Anti-Conspiracy Activist's Self-Interested Motivations w/ Josh Neal

Mentioned by

Simon Kennedy

, referencing Ellul's concept of technique as a way of seeing everything through the lens of self-interest.

Christopher Watkin - Technology, Identity and Grace

Mentioned by

L.M. Sacasas

in relation to how our society is ordered for technique.

#6. L.M. Sacasas on Ivan Illich, Technopoly, and Human Flourishing

Mentioned by Jacob Marquez-Rollison as a book exploring the pervasive influence of technique in modern society.

Jacob Marques-Rollison / The Two Sides of Jacques Ellul’s Work

Mentioned by

Vern Poythress

as a book that explores idolatrous motifs in technology.

Science and Faith w/ Vern Poythress

Impacted

Paul Hoffman

’s views on technique, efficiency, and the marginalization of human values in technological advancement.

AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep, with Paul Hoffman

Impacted the speaker's views on technology, who warned that technology no longer serves human needs.

The Gary Null Show 5.28.25

Mentioned by

Mark Sayers

as one of his heroes who has helped him see the world and how technology impacts humanity.

The Shift Pt.4: Return of the Magi – Mark Sayers

Mentioned by Josh Pauling, using the term "technological society" to describe a society shaped by technology.

Robin Phillips and Joshua Pauling, "Are We All Cyborgs Now?: Reclaiming Our Humanity from the Machine" (Basilian Media, 2024)

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