Abstract
Dialectical reasoning in Jacques Ellul's critique of autonomous'’ technology Jacques Ellul (1912-1994) is one of the most influential twentieth-century philosophers of technology. His critique of the “technological system , characterized by him as an power which is on the brink of developing out of control, is original and all-encompassing Ellul maintains that the most important features of technology are that technology is a result of sin, that it has given rise to a technological system which constitutes an autonomous force with the attainment of efficiency as the basis of its ethics, and that it has enslaved man. In order to counter the advance of the system, Ellul advocates a Christian form o f non-violent anarchy. This form of resistance is designed to desacralize the technological system and is based on Ellul’s exegesis of certain Biblical passages. It is argued that Ellul tends to absolutize human freedom as well as the dialectical tension between man and technology, which he considers a precondition for human freedom. By contrasting Ellul's views with the Reformational position, it is shown that Ellul's conception of technology is inadequate, leading to an erroneous view of man's relation to technology and the meaning of technology.
Highlights
Jacques Ellul (1912-1994) is one o f the most influential twentieth-century philosophers o f technology. His critique o f the “technological system ", character ized by him as an autonomous power which is on the brink o f developing out of control, is original and all-encompassing
It is argued that Ellul tends to absolutize human freedom as well as the dialectical tension between man and technology, which he considers a precondition for human freedom
By contrasting Ellul's views with the Reformational position, it is shown that Ellul's conception o f technology is inadequate, leading to an erroneous view o f man's relation to technology and the meaning o f technology
Summary
Die lewe word vandag gekenmerk deur verstommende ontwikkelinge op die gebied van die tegniek en haas geen faset daarvan is nie reeds grondig deur die tegniek bei'nvloed nie. Uit sy werke is dit duidelik dat Ellul homself op ’n observasiepunt wil plaas wat hom, volgens sy eie oordeel, buite die “tegniese sisteem” uitlig. Hy vind dat die mens sy vryheid verloor het deur die “tegniese sisteem”, maar hy word tot so ’n mate deur die “sisteem” ’’gehipnotiseer” dat hy onder die indruk verkeer dat hy totaal vry is. Hierdie “sisteem” beloof aan die mens ’n tegniese utopia, maar Ellul is oortuig dat dit in werldikheid besig is om te lei na ’n distopia (negatiewe utopia). Ellul sien dus die mens se hele eksistensie as oorheers deur ’n stryd teen die mag van die outonome “tegniese sisteem”. Dit is die doel van hierdie artikel is om deur middel van ’n integrale benadering Ellul se kritiek van die tegniek te probeer verstaan aan die hand van sy sosiologiese sowel as sy teologiese uitgangspunte. In dié proses sal gepoog word om sy benadering krities te evalueer en in dié proses ’n gangbare Reformatoriese standpunt te artikuleer
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
