1. Call for Papers
- Humans and technology
The ISSHS publishes the International Journal on
Social and Human Studies. The next issue will be
dedicated to the connection between humans and
technology.
Contemporary technology produces extremely
complex technological artefacts, so complex that
they can't be entirely understood by any single
person. This increases psychological distance and,
as a result, technology becomes mysterious to most
people.
Moreover, most of the information that people
receive in today's modern world is mediated by
technology, and therefore direct experience has
become a residual part of the man's cognitive
life.
The rapid development of biomedical sciences
undermines basic human anthropology, and the
possibility to plan the body affects even the
man's individuality, subverting the kinship
systems and the same uniqueness of the person.
Furthermore, the persistent dominance of Cartesian
dualism in science pushes to a depersonalizing use
of technology.
The development and spread of technology has
expanded the operational possibilities of
individuals. This development also affects
sensitive issues such as birth, death, identity,
and sexual choices. New choices arise, however,
consequently, new responsibilities as a result of
these choices.
These findings give rise to a set of questions.
Does the "technologization" of society produce
a misperception of reality, both from a
psychological and sociological point of view?
Should categories such as "true", "false",
"science", "knowledge" or "competence" be
rethought in a society where almost all of the
information is mediated by technology?
With regard to health care: does the influence
of Cartesian dualism and instances of humanization
have any chance to be accepted by health and
education politics?
Is it possible to conciliate Evidence Based
Medicine with instances of humanization in
healthcare? And can this be done by means of
technology?
Does the empowerment of the individual generated
by technology undermine equality, or on the
contrary do we have to consider the technology as
a decisive means for overcoming inequalities?
Is it possible to identify general ethical
principles that can be applied to new
technological choices, or do answers have to be
found only by referring to specific cultures or
situations?
Can the State law rule issues that haven't any
social relevance, but concern the single
individual, such as decisions about the end of
life? Is this an expression of an ethical and not
a liberal State?
How has the predominant role of technology in
social relations changed the concept of community,
class, society, culture, nation, ethnicity,
gender, humanity?
These are just some of the cues for discussion
about humans and technology; scholars will
certainly identify others.
Please submit your paper as an attachment to submit@isshs.org
preferably within May 30th 2015.
Download
a pdf of this document.