#5821
Mentioned in 10 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.
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
Mentioned in 10 episodes
Mentioned as a source for Kaczynski's ideas on technology and society.
185 snips
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.
18 snips
Why Technology is Enslaving and Dehumanizing Us
Mentioned by John Stonestreet in the context of discussing the application of technology to medicine and the illusion of control.
17 snips
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.
15 snips
Jacques Ellul
Mentioned by 
Simon Kennedy , referencing Ellul's concept of technique as a way of seeing everything through the lens of self-interest.
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 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
Impacted the speaker's views on technology, who warned that technology no longer serves human needs.
The Gary Null Show 5.28.25
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
Mentioned by 
Mark Hurst as a favorite author who inspired Tectonic, warning about the spread of technology.
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 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)
