Technology and the Future [Paperback]

Albert H. Teich (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0495570524 | ISBN-13: 978-0495570523 | Publication Date: October 30, 2008 | Edition: 11

Technology influences society, and society influences technology--but how? The newly updated 11th edition of TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE helps you answer that question and others with a diverse collection of articles and essays that examine the controversial technological issues affecting society. Written by technology critics and enthusiasts, the essays take you beyond definitions and descriptions and into the minds of some of the field's most respected thought leaders. Thoroughly covering the philosophical approaches and specific technologies, TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE provides a unique and unparalleled overview of technology today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"There is no other book like this. I can't find a good book of technology readings, and putting together my own packet is a nightmare. As a composition instructor who teaches with technology, this lets us have a critical discussion and writing about the sea of technology we are all swimming in."

"Teich's volume links these more abstract reflections to the real world of technology, bringing the obtuse musings of the philosopher of technology into contact with policy, practical and ethical issues involved in the everyday use of technology. . . . His volume is unique in its accessibility to students from a variety of technical and nontechnical backgrounds."

"There are some classic articles which provide a great introduction to the field."

About the Author

Albert H. Teich is director of Science and Policy Programs at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a position he has held since 1990. He holds a Ph.D. in political science and a B.S. in physics, both from MIT and has taught at George Washington University, the State University of New York at Albany and Binghamton, and Syracuse University. Teich is the editor of several books and the author of numerous articles and book chapters. He is quoted frequently in the press and has made many appearances on radio and television. He is well-known as a speaker on topics of science, technology, policy, and society and has served as a consultant to government agencies, Congress, national laboratories, industrial firms, and international organizations. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 386 pages
• Publisher: Wadsworth Publishing; 11 edition (October 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0495570524
• ISBN-13: 978-0495570523
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Technology and the Future, December 13, 2011

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A Graduate Student - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Technology and the Future (Paperback)

Technology and the Future
Technology and the Future by Albert H. Teich is a very interesting book because it is a series of essays by many different authors on many different topics. These topics range from bioethics, to culture, and social problems of technology. Because there are so many different authors addressing various topics, different opinions arise, and it is as if these authors are debating one another as you read. Some authors do specifically address other essays and write their essay in response, such as John Seely Brown and Paul Duguid who write in response to Bill Joy's essay, "Why the Future Doesn't Need Us." The book not only talks about the future, but society as well and all the problems and struggles we face. Technology can be a wonderful asset or it can push the limits of what is ethical and what is not. Technology provides our protection (for the most part) when flying, scans or products so we can purchase groceries, and tells us where to go when we get lost (recalculating...). The downside of technology comes in many forms. Deborah G. Johnson, in her essay, "Computer Ethics," brings up several ethical issues relating to technology. The first is virtual rape. This is a situation when one character rapes another character in a multi-user virtual reality video game. To me it is obvious that this is inappropriate, but who is to say that someone else might find it completely appropriate. Stem cell research and the use of that knowledge to clone humans may sit well with some, but that doesn't mean society as a whole has that same view. I think that of all the topics discussed in the book, technology ethics leaves the biggest question with no clear answers in sight. This book is a good read for anyone looking to scratch the surface of several different technology topics, written by several different authors.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent - vast, yet substantive compendium!, December 7, 2010

By 

H. Baker "H. Baker" (Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Technology and the Future (Paperback)

As Albert H. Teich writes in his Preface, his "selections are -- by design -- a mixed bag" and that "readers will love some and hate others, find some fascinating, others tedious." This "book reflects what I hope is a balanced view of the important issues in the field of technology and society." Well, I wholeheartedly agree that this edition has met its objectives! A+++ Many thanks to Mr. Teich for his brilliant presentation of vast, yet substantive collection of articles. Technology and the Future offers readers the opportunity to apply critical thinking. Great work - I'll be reaching out to the resources offered as well.

7 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative, October 5, 2000

By 

Matt Holtzman (Middletown, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Technology and the Future (Paperback)

This book not only provides all the tools for a well-balanced and in-depth science/technology based curriculum, but it is also quite informative on it's own, and provides answers to many of the questions posed in other classes on a daily basis.