Alan Drengson

The Practice of Technology: Exploring Technology, Ecophilosophy, and Spiritual Disciplines for Vital Links Alan Drengson

This book explores the narrative themes of Western industrial technology that reveal the underlying agenda of Modern culture. The aim is to redesign the human and natural world to conform to the monoculturing development models of Western society. These models are embedded in industrial paradigms and practices. The author describes alternative technology practices that emphasize ecological and social responsibility as part of the design process. These alternative practices take many diverse forms so as to harmonize with local ecological communities. Root metaphors and myths of the West are examined as part of the modern-postmodern bind that alienates humans from the natural world. The author explores how our current problems, such as the environmental crisis, violence, social injustice, dehumanization, and alienation cannot be diagnosed, let alone cured, without understanding the role of technological forces and activities in Modern civilization. He outlines ways! in which our technology practices can be redesigned for deeper and more abiding values and higher quality of life. The Modern idea of progress is redefined to emphasize improvement in the quality of all our relations, rather than only GDP. The spiritual, aesthetic and moral dimensions of the world are included in a sustainable progressive vision that stresses deepening our selves and experience, rather than seeking to control each other and the world.