TECHNICALLY UTOPIA: TECHNOLOGY AND CONTROL IN UTOPIAN FICTION

Abstract

One of the enduring problems in the philosophy of technology is the question of control: do we control technology, or does it control us? This study explores the question of control in a new way. Using a conceptual framework from philosopher of technology Andrew Feenberg, we examine the conceptual designs of desired, future social systems – better known as “utopias” – to help us understand how today’s technology could shape future societies. Analyzing a sample of modern, fictional utopias, we ask: How do utopian societies use technology to meet their goals? How do utopian societies address risk and uncertainty? Do utopian societies treat information and communication technology (ICT) differently than other technologies? Do utopian societies implicitly follow a philosophy of technology? To answer these questions, we selected a purposive sample of utopias and conducted a qualitative content analysis on each of them. Coding categories were derived inductively from the data, guided by the conceptual framework mentioned above. The selected utopias were coded and analyzed to answer the research questions and ultimately address the question of control. The resulting insights enabled us to identify the underlying philosophy of technology in each of the utopias studied. The study advanced prior work on the use of technology – including ICT – in utopia. The results also led to a deeper understanding of social-technical risks and uncovering connections between Andrew Feenberg’s philosophy of technology – critical constructivism – and theories of utopia, as well as social systems engineering. Using these insights, the study provided a means by which the question of control could be framed and answered.