Human-Built World: How to Think about Technology and Culture (science.culture)
by Thomas P. Hughes
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Book Summary Information
Author: Thomas P. HughesEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-05-13
ISBN: 0226359344
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: University Of Chicago Press
Book Reviews of Human-Built World: How to Think about Technology and Culture (science.culture)
Book Review: An excellent, concise review
Summary: 5 Stars
The Human-Built world is a wonderfully concise rendering, in both theme and prose, of the history and role of technology in the West, particularly the U.S., whilst losing very little explanatory power.
Hughes starts with the philosophic impetus for technology in ancient literature (Cicero) and Christian theology. The first saw in man's nature an urge to develop a "second creation"; the latter sought the recovery of Eden. In Goethe's Faust, a second creation is a manifestation of man's creativity and egotism, a challenge to God. In founding America, the Puritans saw themselves as a moral beacon for the rest of the world, "a Citty upon a Hill".
In Chapters Two to Four, Hughes traces the development of technology from the machine revolution of the 19th century to the systems and control revolution of the 20th century to the current information revolution: each not only created something new but also re-conceptualized things and men.
In the final two chapters, technology's impact, culturally and environmentally, is discussed. The message here is the need to reign in technology; its pervasiveness and power can have a detrimental influence on culture and the environment.
Hughes also indulges in a few quick and incisive comments along the way. The Europeans did not uniquely transform North America, the Indians also controlled their environment (p. 7); on the arms race: "Unfortunately, many Americans today find spectacular energy laden weaponry sublime" (p. 39). Also helpful is the bibliographic essay, which I've used to find further reading.
This little book is a dynamo of information and insight. It's highly recommended.
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