Week 6 - Critical theory

Critical theory of technology combines insights from philosophy of technology and constructivist technology studies. (Feenberg)

Critical Theory of Technology rethinks the relationships between technology, rationality, and democracy, arguing that the degradation of labor--as well as of many environmental, educational, and political systems--is rooted in the social values that preside over technological development.

Class Readings
1. Feenberg, A. A Critical Theory of Technology: An Overview (2005)  http://www.ijtds.com/1_1_Feenberg.pdf 2. Fuchs, Christian, (2009) Critical Theory of Information Technology,  https://sites.google.com/site/glosariobitrum/Home/teoria-critica-de-la-informacion/critical-theory-of-information

3. Cecez-Kecmanovic, Dubravka, “Basic Assumptions of the Critical Research Perspectives in Information Systems”, found in Trauth and Howcroft, (2005) Handbook of Critical Information Systems Research.

4. Kvasny, L. and Richardson, H. (2006) “Critical Research in Information Systems: Looking Forward, Looking Back”. Information Technology & People, Vol. 19 No. 3, 2006, pp. 196-202

 Homework Write a single, coherent essay. Discuss the basic elements of Critical Theory and technologies. Evaluate Critical Theory. Explain how your research interests might intersect with a study using Critical Theory and technology.

My write-up here

Comments on the write up.

Other Resources from Class
1. Overview of Critical Theory (Function 1 )

2. More online materials.