The Labyrinth Of Technology

Exposing the limitations of conventional approaches to the engineering and regulation of technology, Vanderburg suggests that the solution lies in a preventive strategy that situates technological growth in its human, societal, and biospheric contexts.

From the very beginnings of their existence, human beings have distinguished themselves from other animals by not taking immediate experience for granted. Everything was symbolized according to its meaning and value: a fallen branch from a tree became a lever; a tree trunk floating in the river became a canoe. Homo logos created communities based on cultures: humanity's first megaproject. Further symbolization of the human community and its relation to nature led to the possibility of creating societies and civilizations. Everything changed as these interposed themselves between the group and nature. Homo societas created ways of life able to give meaning, direction, and purpose to many groups by means of very different cultures: humanity's second megaproject. What Das Kapital did for the nineteenth century and La technique did for the twentieth, Willem H. Vanderburg's Living in the Labyrinth of Technology seeks to create for the twenty-first century: an attempt at understanding the world in a manner not shackled to overspecialized scientific knowing and technical doing. Western civilization may well be creating humanity's third megaproject, based not on symbolization for making sense of and living in the world, but on highly specialized desymbolized knowing stripped of all peripheral understanding. Vanderburg focuses on two interdependent forces in his narrative, namely, people changing technology and technology changing people. The latter aspect, although rarely considered, turns out to be the more critical one for understanding the spectacular successes and failures of contemporary ways of life. As technology continues to change the social and physical world, the experiences of this world 'grow' people's minds and society's cultures, thereby re-creating human life in the image of technology. Living in the Labyrinth of Technology argues that the twenty-first century will be dominated by this pattern unless society intervenes on human (as opposed to technical) terms.

Exposing the limitations of conventional approaches to the engineering and regulation of technology, Vanderburg suggests that the solution lies in a preventive strategy that situates technological growth in its human, societal, and biospheric contexts.

Western society has become saturated with scientific and technological modes of thinking that impact our lives and our relationships. Expanding social inequality, the use of social media and the rise of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression are manifestations of this shift in our civilization. Our Battle for the Human Spirit is a comprehensive probe into what is happening to human life in the beginning of the 21st century. It explores how culture, experience, and symbolization have been replaced by scientific, discipline-based, approaches. Willem H. Vanderburg argues that these approaches are inadequate in understanding the complexity of human lives and societies. In order to transcend these limits, Vanderburg calls for the reintegration of culture and symbolization into our daily lives.

Willem H. Vanderburg's Our War on Ourselves explores the type of war we have unleashed on our lives by emphasizing discipline-based processes.

Do science and technology create value for society and the economy, and how might one go about measuring it? How do we evaluate its benefits? Can we even be certain that there are benefits? Geisler argues that there are benefits, and that they outweigh in value the negative impacts that inevitably accompany them. His revolutionary new book goes on to show that they can also be measured and evaluated, and in one volume all of the existing knowledge on how to do it is complied--then Geisler's own methods are offered. The result is a compelling argument that the value of science and technology in our lives has indeed been positive, and that the economic well-being of all individuals, organizations, and nations rests upon them. Geisler starts off by describing his conceptual framework for the evaluation of science and technology and the impact and benefits that proceed from them. He discusses the nature of evaluation in general terms, and then in the specific context of science, technology, and innovation together. He reviews the state of our present knowledge and assesses the nature of value creation itself. Throughout, Geisler remains fixed on his driving thesis: Although there are certainly some negative impacts from science and technology, on the whole the results of its outputs are positive. He shows how they have contributed to a range of activities and institutions, particularly to the improvement of health and human welfare worldwide. Finally, after discussing the theories of evaluation, he gets down to the practice, providing readers with a way to assess science and technological innovations for themselves.

In an effort to increase an understanding of the relationship between information technology and the cultural and social dynamics within the workplace, we must bridge the gap between technology and social sciences. Integrations of Technology Utilization and Social Dynamics in Organizations covers all aspects of social issues impacted by information technology in organizations and inter-organizational structures; this book presents the conceptualization of specific social issues and their associated constructs. It encompasses designs and infrastructures, empirical validation of social models, and case studies illustrating socialization success and failures relating to Information technology.

In a world driven by technological advancements, the ability to effectively manage technology and innovation is the key to success. "TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT: A Practical Guide" is your ultimate companion on the journey to becoming a master of technological transformation. Dr. Raj C N. Thiagarajan, a renowned expert in the field, takes you on a captivating exploration of the dynamic intersection between technology, innovation, and management. With a focus on practicality and real-world application, this book equips students, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators with the tools and techniques to shape the future and achieve their strategic goals. From the origins of technology and innovation management to the fundamentals of value creation through purpose-driven innovation, each chapter unveils a new layer of knowledge and expertise. Discover the secrets of managing creativity and innovation, learn about powerful technology tools for successful innovation, and explore the process of technological change and its impact on market dynamics. But this book goes beyond theory. It immerses you in the world of technology intelligence, competition, and strategic decision-making. Uncover the art of gathering valuable insights, harness the power of technology roadmaps and strategy models, and explore the organizational structures that foster innovation. Gain a deep understanding of intellectual property strategy and the process of technology deployment in new product development. Dr. Thiagarajan's wealth of experience, spanning over three decades with global corporations, shines through as he shares his expertise through real-life examples and case studies. His passion for multiphysics engineering design and innovation permeates every page, inspiring readers to push the boundaries of what is possible. "TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT: A Practical Guide" is not just a book—it is a roadmap to success in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation. Whether you are a student, an engineer, an entrepreneur, or a management professional, this comprehensive guide will empower you to make informed decisions, seize opportunities, and become a true champion of innovation. Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey that will transform your perspective on technology and innovation management. Join Dr. Thiagarajan as he unlocks the secrets to creating a future driven by purpose, innovation, and strategic decision-making. Are you ready to shape the world of tomorrow? The power is in your hands.