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

Author: Zhang Chenggang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-02-01
Features: Shui Mu Tsing Hua, Xin Xuan Ri Xin, the STS academic field has grown 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, which developed into the STS Research Institute of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 1993. In 2000, Tsinghua University STS Research Center was formed, and in 2004, the application for the Tsinghua University Innovation Base for Science and Technology and Social Development was approved. Currently, Tsinghua University's STS discipline has 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, and a postdoctoral research station in philosophy. It co-publishs the core journal Research on Science and Technology Studies. During the first phase of Tsinghua University's Project 985, the Tsinghua Science and Technology and Society Series published 8 books, of which 7 monographs were fully reviewed and funded by the Beijing Social Science Theory Book Publishing Fund. As part of the second phase of Tsinghua University's Project 985, the Tsinghua Science and Technology and Society Series will continue to promote high-level STS research results, flourish STS academic studies, and advance the development of the STS discipline. Modern technology has brought progress and prosperity to humanity but also raised many worrying issues for the civilized world. Technological problems are significant challenges 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 industrial civilization, how to mitigate or avoid the technological problems caused by developed countries in their modernization movement is a critical issue that China must seriously address in its future development. This book conducts a pathological examination of modern technology, primarily consisting of three parts: Reflecting on Technological Problems, Technology and Modernity, and Technology and Human Future. The first part borrows academic resources from social pathology to scientifically define technological problems, 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 an explanatory study of how technological problems arise, examining the internal logic of technology, inherent contradictions hidden within technology, and its external cultural context. The third part proposes a preliminary framework for addressing technological problems, deeply interpreting Marx's drafts on technology, 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.