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The Mystique of Computer Technology and the Waning of Critical Enquiry

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Encouraging Openness

Part of the book series: Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science ((BSPS,volume 325))

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Abstract

My argument is as follows: the mystique of technology is an intended consequence in the development of computer technology that inhibits learning from trial and error as well as learning from mentors by nontechnical experts. However, the waning of Socratic or critical thinking is an unintended consequence in the development of computer technology. How can we overcome both the intended consequence of the mystique of technology and the unintended consequence of the waning of Socratic critical enquiry? Democratic control of computer technology, the transfer of control over the computer from the technological elites to the individual users, accomplishes two purposes: (1) Allowing non-experts to learn how to use and control computer technology. (2) Allowing the resuscitation of Socratic critical enquiry in societies dominated by computer technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Independent Scholar, 17 Jonathan Gate, Thornhill, L4J 5K3, ON, Canada

    Sheldon Richmond

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  1. Sheldon Richmond
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Correspondence to Sheldon Richmond .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Communication and Mass Media Department, Sapir College, Shaar Hanegev, Israel

    Nimrod Bar-Am

  2. California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA

    Stefano Gattei

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Richmond, S. (2017). The Mystique of Computer Technology and the Waning of Critical Enquiry. In: Bar-Am, N., Gattei, S. (eds) Encouraging Openness. Boston Studies in the Philosophy and History of Science, vol 325. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57669-5_11

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