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On Feenberg’s Alternative Thinking About Virtual Space Technologies

Rahimi, Morteza | 2015

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 47874 (42)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Philosophy of Science
  6. Advisor(s): Taghavi, Mostafa
  7. Abstract:
  8. Cultural and social problems in the modern age have motivated many thinkers to analyze modernity. Some of them have tried to solve these problems and, if possible, prevent their occurrence in the future. Proposed solutions are mostly dystopian, i.e. by being disappointed, they think the only possible way to overcome these problems is to annihilate modern civilization, or they pursue a passive approach; i.e. they have accepted the problems of modernity but only seek a way to mitigate its challenges. Among these, solutions which try to make use of the capacities of the modern civilization, especially emerging technologies, are really scarce. These approaches seek to realize (and make widespread) values different from the prevalent capitalistic values, such as democratic ones. In turn, these solutions are generally seemed to be either superficial and futile, or complicated and deep. Feenberg’s analysis belongs to the last group and since he has tried to apply his approach in practice, it is of utmost importance. Being influenced by Frankfurt’s school, he has sought to propose an alternative plan for modernity based on the constant criticism. By his general definition of Technology, he subsumes cultural and social problems of modernity under the heading of the philosophical analyses of technology. His theory in this regard is “the critical theory of technology” and “instrumentalization theory” lies at its heart. In this essay, this theory is explained through addressing Feenberg’s books and papers. Next, the origin of this theory is traced back to Lukács’ philosophy (who is a Marxist philosopher following Marx, Hegel and Weber). Afterwards, Marcuse’s and Habermas’ ideas, belonging to the different generations of the Frankfurt school, are discussed, so as to make Feenberg’s instrumentalization theory, and the origins of his alternative thinking, more understandable. Subsequently, three case studies concerning applying these theories in cyberspace technologies are discussed. These case studies consist in Internet, Massively Multiplayer Online Games, and information sharing through systems such as Wikis. Finally differences between democratic states, as construed by Feenberg and Islam, are discussed and a solution to utilize Feenberg’s and his proponents’ ideas in Iran, with its indigenous values, is suggested
  9. Keywords:
  10. Internet ; Democracy ; Science-Technology System ; Feenberg's Critical Theory of Technology ; Feenberg's Instrumentalization ; Alternative Modernity

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