The Shape of Future Technology
The Anthropocentric Alternative
By: Peter Brödner
Mike Cooley One of the most remarkable features of modern industrial society, is the gap between that which technology could provide for society (its potential) and that which it actually does provide for society (its reality). We have for example, complex control systems which can guide a missile to another continent with extraordinary accuracy, yet the blind and the disabled have to stagger around our cities in very much the same way as they did in mediaeval times. There are advanced communication systems enabling messages to be sent around the world in a fraction of a second, but it now takes longer to send an ordinary letter from Washington to New York than it did in the days of the stage coach. Such a growing chasm between potential and reality, is giving rise to a thorough questioning of many of the orthodoxies in these areas and the priorities on which they are based. Similar contradictions, even if at this stage less obvious and dramatic, abound in the field of manufacturing technology. There, we find technologies which have the potential of liberating human beings from soul destroying, routine, backbreaking tasks and leave them free to engage in more creative work, but which in reality, often end up reducing the human being to a mere machine appendage, acted upon by the technology and becoming a passive, pathetic element in the productive system rather than a creative, dynamic human being.
AI Overview
"The Shape of Future Technology: The Anthropocentric Alternative" by Peter Brödner is a book that explores the concept of human-centered systems in the context of technological advancements. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Human-Centered Systems: The book focuses on the idea of designing technologies that are centered around human needs and values. It emphasizes the importance of integrating anthropocentric principles into the development of future technologies.
- Technological Evolution: Brödner discusses the evolution of technology and how it should be shaped to serve humanity. This includes considerations for sustainability, usability, and ethical implications.
- Anthropocentric Alternative: The title suggests an alternative approach to traditional technological development, one that prioritizes human well-being and societal benefits over purely technological advancements.
Plot Summary
The book does not have a traditional narrative plot. Instead, it is a collection of essays and discussions that delve into the theoretical and practical aspects of human-centered technology. It explores various themes such as the role of technology in society, the ethics of technological development, and the potential consequences of anthropocentric design on future technological systems.
Critical Reception
Given the book's age and its academic nature, there is limited critical reception available. However, the book has been noted in academic circles for its contribution to the field of artificial intelligence and its societal implications. It is part of the Springer Series on Artificial Intelligence and Society, which suggests a scholarly audience and peer-reviewed context.
Availability
The book is available in paperback format and can be purchased from various online retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and AbeBooks. It is also listed on Walmart.com, where it is described as an English translation of "Fabrik 2000" with the subtitle "Human-Centred Systems".
Conclusion
"The Shape of Future Technology: The Anthropocentric Alternative" by Peter Brödner is a thought-provoking work that challenges traditional approaches to technological development. It offers a comprehensive exploration of human-centered systems and their potential to shape the future of technology in a more sustainable and beneficial manner. While it may not have received extensive critical reviews, its academic significance and relevance to the field of artificial intelligence and society are evident.