Research on Modern Technology Issues: Technology, Modernity, and the Future of Humanity

Author: Zhang Chenggang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: Water and Wood Tsinghua, New Renewing Daily, the STS academic field grows with favorable timing, geographical advantage, and human synergy. The senior scholars are brilliant stars, inspiring progress in the new era. In 1985, the STS research institution was established, evolving into the STS Research Institute of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 1993, the Tsinghua University STS Research Center in 2000, and the Tsinghua University STS Innovation Base for Science and Technology and Social Development in 2004, which was approved. Currently, Tsinghua University's STS discipline includes master's programs in philosophy of science and technology and the history of science and technology, a doctoral program in philosophy of science and technology, a postdoctoral research station in philosophy, and co-published core journals such as Research on Science and Technology Studies. During the first phase of Tsinghua University's Project 985, the Tsinghua Science, Technology, and Society Series published 8 books, with 7 monographs fully reviewed and funded by the Beijing Social Science Theory Book Publishing Fund. As part of Tsinghua University's second phase of Project 985, the Tsinghua Science, Technology, and Society Series will continue to promote high-level STS research achievements, flourish STS academic studies, and advance the development of the STS discipline. Modern technology has brought progress and prosperity to humanity but also introduced many concerning issues to the civilized world. Technology is a significant challenge facing humanity today. China is currently in a transitional period from traditional agricultural civilization to modern industrial civilization. As it develops a market economy and shifts toward industrialization, how to mitigate or avoid the technological issues caused by developed countries' modernization movement is a critical topic that China must seriously address in its future development. This book conducts a pathological examination of modern technology, primarily comprising three parts: Reflecting on Technological Issues, Technology and Modernity, and Technology and Human Future. The first part borrows academic resources from social pathology to scientifically define technological issues, meticulously tracing their emergence from the periphery to the center from a historical longitudinal perspective, and comprehensively analyzing their symptomatic manifestations in the contemporary era. The second part conducts explanatory research on the origins of technological issues, examining the internal logic of technology, inherent contradictions hidden within technology, and its external cultural context. The third part proposes preliminary frameworks for addressing technological issues, deeply interpreting Marx's technical manuscripts, and envisioning a bright future for humanity. This book is primarily aimed at readers engaged in philosophical and sociological research, as well as others concerned with the fate of humanity.