Homo Sapiens, Homo Faber, Homo Socians: Technology and the Social Animal

Abstract

Modern technology is a pinnacle of human progress, the perfection of reason mirrored in design. It maintains that bit of Enlightenment hubris captured in the term Homo sapiens. Why, then, does it seem easier to design technology than to make decisions about how to use it? That technologies can puzzle or disappoint or seem out of control, is explained — by their opponents — as temporary yet resoluble oversights of rational solutions, or — by their supporters — as the failure to demonstrate to all concerned the reasons that the benefits outweigh the costs. (In spite of the acronym MAD, nuclear armaments debates are conducted in this vein). Alternatively, some of our technologies may puzzle, disappoint, or seem out of control because the model of human nature is inappropriate. Despite economic, hedonic, and normative justifications, the technology or its implementation somehow doesn’t ‘make sense’ or ‘feel right’.