Reason and Rhetoric in the Philosophy of Technology. – Geoffrey Lloyd – 1999
What the Book Explores
Geoffrey Lloyd’s Reason and Rhetoric in the Philosophy of Technology delves into the often-overlooked interplay between logical argumentation and persuasive rhetoric in shaping our understanding and acceptance of technological advancements. The work doesn’t focus on the technologies themselves, but rather on the *ways* we talk about them, justify their development, and integrate them into our lives. Lloyd argues that technological discourse is rarely purely rational; it’s frequently imbued with rhetorical strategies designed to appeal to values, emotions, and pre-existing beliefs.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1999, this book emerges from a growing awareness within the philosophy of science and technology of the social and cultural dimensions of technological change. Prior to the late 20th century, much philosophical discussion surrounding technology tended toward either utopian celebrations of progress or dystopian warnings about its dangers. Lloyd’s work shifts the focus from simply assessing the *effects* of technology to analyzing the *processes* by which technology is legitimized and adopted. He draws heavily on classical rhetoric – particularly the work of Aristotle – to provide a framework for understanding how persuasive language shapes technological perceptions. The book responds to a burgeoning field of Science and Technology Studies (STS) that challenged purely deterministic views of technological advancement. It arose alongside increased public skepticism toward scientific authority, and awareness of the constructed nature of ‘facts’ and ‘expertise’.
Who This Book Is For
This book is primarily aimed at those with an academic interest in the philosophy of technology, the history of science, rhetoric, and communication studies. However, it is accessible to a broader audience interested in the social and cultural implications of technology. It requires a willingness to engage with philosophical concepts and rhetorical theory but doesn’t necessitate a specialized background. The book is particularly valuable for those interested in understanding how narratives about technology influence public opinion and policy decisions.
Further Reading
- Langdon Winner, Do Artifacts Have Politics? (1986): Explores the idea that technological designs can embody and reinforce political values.
- Bruno Latour, Science in Action (1987): A key text in STS, illustrating how scientific ‘facts’ are constructed through social processes.
- Donna Haraway, Simians, Cyborgs, and Women (1991): A foundational work in feminist theory of technology, examining the blurring of boundaries between humans, animals, and machines.
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