Science, Technology, State and Society in Development Process: Paris in the Twentieth Century by Jules Verne

Abstract

The capitalist development that creates leaps in science and technology, today is in a distressed state due to the economic crisis and pandemic and this requires a critical evaluation of the relationship between capitalist development and science and technology. In this context, the remarkable work by Jules Verne, Paris in the Twentieth Century foresees today beyond science-fiction and provides an understanding of the two aspects of capitalist development and science and technology through the striking literary language. Verne describes how science and technological progress resulting from the industrial revolution, had monetized and mechanized Twentieth Century Paris society in the hands of industrialists and bankers. While he praises scientific and technological developments, on the other hand he argues that many aspects of the social sphere had transformed into a cylinder-piston relationship and these developments weren’t able to cure the misery. He develops this thesis in his story by touching on many concepts from universities to literature, from music to politics, from unemployment to property. He also reveals the role of the state in the scientific and technological development process triggered by industrial revolution. The aim of the study is to reveal this dual aspect of science and technology that developed with the industrial revolution, based on Verne's Paris work in the Twentieth Century.