Blog assignment on Feenberg's Discussion

Blog Question #7:

Do you agree with Feenberg that technologies can be seen as incorporating or ‘embodying’ values and commands? Use examples to explain your thinking on this subject!

I quite agree with Feenberg that technologies can be seen as incorporating or ‘embodying’ values and commands. One should not forget that technology is a system that understands and execute commands that are entered interactively by human beings, and, that values are beliefs of a person or social groups in which they have an emotional investment either for or against something – in this case technology! That being said, Feenberg said that when we look on successful technological designs, the ‘fit’ that is finally achieved is the product of process of social negotiation in which technological designs come to embody social values. For examples, social values involves efficient energy supply, good educational programs, environmental friendly design buildings and vehicles will be seen as representing technological progress. Looking back, one will actually agree that the success so far achieved in technology is as a result of incorporating social process – a process that involves the formation of groups of persons, a profess that absorbs cultural groups into harmony with another; a process whereby societies achieve an advanced stage of development and organization; a process whereby human involvement in technology make people to engage in an activity for pay or as a means of livelihood. Technologies enable cities to grow and become urban. This is social process. Through technologies, government disseminates information to its citizens to make them believe that they are trying to avoid hostilities (social process). Through technologies, governments try to neutralize other weak nations’ power politically, economically, and by social influence.

In view of the above, there is no doubt in my mind that technology can be seen as incorporating or embodying values and commands with its subtle involvement of social groups or social public interests in technologies, even when it appears to be doing it covertly by the technical ‘experts’.

Questions #8:

Feenberg argues that democracy can transform technology. How would you like to see technology transformed in the future? (or if you think technology is best left alone, explain why?

It is absolutely right to say that democracy can transform technology. Therefore technology should not be left alone in the hands of the determinists. The public or interest groups should be involved in the planning and development of technology to ensure a better transformation. Democracy by the way means individual participation in the decisions that affect one’s life. Democracy is an opportunity for individual self-development and involvement, which will develops character, self-reliance, intelligence,
moral judgment, and integrity. This will be achieved by encouraging each individual to contribute to the creation of public policy and by resolving conflicts over public policy. The interest or social groups should know what is going on in their society; how does it affect them, what are the benefits, what are the envisioned problems and possible solutions. Let there be unity of purpose. If the public, the interest groups, social groups are involved in technological development, technology will be transformed.