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In the Name of Sanity
Book by Lewis Mumford
- GenresPhilosophyHistory
244 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
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38 people want to read
About the author
Lewis Mumford
153 books316 followersLewis Mumford (October 19, 1895 – January 26, 1990) was an American historian and philosopher of technology and science. Particularly noted for his study of cities and urban architecture, he had a tremendously broad career as a writer that also included a period as an influential literary critic. Mumford was influenced by the work of Scottish theorist Sir Patrick Geddes.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 28, 2011
I thought this was better and worse than 'The Condition of Man.' Worse in that it is more uneven. But this book is a collection of essays/speeches, which allows him to concentrate on more specific questions that highlight his strengths. His best stuff here deals with mankind relating to his environment, especially our machines.
Most approach the question of technology by saying something like, "Technology is morally neutral, and can be used for good or bad by people." Mumford's take is more nuanced. He seems to say that 1) Technology enters a context in which it is much more likely/not likely that it will be used for good or bad. We must be careful, discerning, and responsible. 2) Technology should be viewed not just on what it can accomplish, but how it accomplishes its tasks. His main concern here is how technology can separate us from our humanity if we are not careful and watchful. He urges us to return to 'technics' that enhance, rather than detract, from our humanity.
I don't disagree with him, but I was disappointed that Mumford does not seem to offer any way to get there. Maybe its unfair since these were short speeches/essays. How to make sure, short of a philosopher king telling us what to do, we create only 'good' technology in a free market society is beyond me -- perhaps there is no 'solution.' In regards to argument #1 of his above -- he uses nuclear fission as an obvious example. But he does not deal with the scenario that the U.S. dealt with, namely that the Nazi's might possibly developed it first. In a fallen world, do we then have to develop it too? I don't think there is an obvious answer, but he does not deal with this question.
I thought this article on what he calls 'Authoritarian and Democratic Technics' http://www.primitivism.com/mumford.htm summed things up better than his work in the book. So if you are curious, my recommendation is to see the link.
Most approach the question of technology by saying something like, "Technology is morally neutral, and can be used for good or bad by people." Mumford's take is more nuanced. He seems to say that 1) Technology enters a context in which it is much more likely/not likely that it will be used for good or bad. We must be careful, discerning, and responsible. 2) Technology should be viewed not just on what it can accomplish, but how it accomplishes its tasks. His main concern here is how technology can separate us from our humanity if we are not careful and watchful. He urges us to return to 'technics' that enhance, rather than detract, from our humanity.
I don't disagree with him, but I was disappointed that Mumford does not seem to offer any way to get there. Maybe its unfair since these were short speeches/essays. How to make sure, short of a philosopher king telling us what to do, we create only 'good' technology in a free market society is beyond me -- perhaps there is no 'solution.' In regards to argument #1 of his above -- he uses nuclear fission as an obvious example. But he does not deal with the scenario that the U.S. dealt with, namely that the Nazi's might possibly developed it first. In a fallen world, do we then have to develop it too? I don't think there is an obvious answer, but he does not deal with this question.
I thought this article on what he calls 'Authoritarian and Democratic Technics' http://www.primitivism.com/mumford.htm summed things up better than his work in the book. So if you are curious, my recommendation is to see the link.
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May 1, 2011c1954 first edition
dustjacket is quite frayed book is ok
dustjacket is quite frayed book is ok
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews