Electric Language: A Philosophical Study of Word Processing

by Michael Heim

In this book Michael Heim provides the first consistent philosophical basis for critically evaluating the impact of word processing on our use of and ideas about language. This edition includes a new foreword by David Gelernter, a new preface by the author, and an updated bibliography. "Not only important but seminal, on the cutting-edge, furrowing new conceptual territory."-Walter J. Ong, S.J. "A philosopher ponders how the word processor has affected language use and our ideas about it. Heim shrewdly updates a school of thought, associated with such thinkers as Walter Ong, that maintains all changes in writing technology tend to change the way we perceive the world. His argument that word processing leads to fragmented thinking should be addressed and debated."-Carlin Romano, Philadelphia Inquirer "The arguments range over all of Western philosophy (and some Eastern as well), from the ancient Greeks to contemporary phenomenology. . . . Everyone who has used a word processor will find much to think about in Heim's ideas."-David Weinberger, Byte "Fascinating, clear, and well-done . . . stimulating and challenging."-Don Ihde, Philosophy and Rhetoric

Genres: Philosophy

309 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 1987

Reviews

[Yousseif Abdellatif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Straight up, Electric Language: A Philosophical Study of Word Processing is more tender than its tough exterior lets on. Michael Heim spends most of the book acting cold, then lets one scene crack the whole thing open. It's worth the wait. Great for readers who like a slow thaw, skip if you want warmth from page one.