Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life: A Philosophical Inquiry

Borgmann, Albert

ISBN 10: 0226066282 / ISBN 13: 9780226066288

Published by University Of Chicago Press, 1984

About this Item

Very rare in first edition. The dust jacket is rubbed and worn, with a few small, closed tears along the edges. The jacket remains otherwise whole and intact. The boards show little evidence of wear. Internally, there are no markings or inscriptions, and the pages within are neat and complete. Securely bound and presents handsomely in cellophane. JK. Our orders are shipped using tracked courier delivery services.

Seller Inventory # 3549j

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life: A Philosophical Inquiry
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press
• Publication Date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0226066282
• ISBN 13: 9780226066288
• Binding: hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Weight: 22 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

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.