A Comparative Study Of Jurgen Habermas And Andrew Feenberg’s Critical Theory Of Technology

Science and technology is a product of society. It exists and develops in the particular social, economic and cultural conditions which with a magical power to change the face of the world and accelerate the process of history. But in science and technology brings civilization and happiness to human and also has many negative consequences for humanity at the same time. Therefore, to properly treat the urgency in the face of science and technology, domestic and foreign scholars studies on critical areas of science and technology from different perspective to in-depth study of social function and puts forward a lot of valuable views. Especially in the Frankfurt School, more scholars study Critical Theory of Science and Technology. Among the most influential theory of Habermas and Feenberg’Critical Theory of Technology, I combed through relevant technical developing thread of criticism which hope to find a effective way to make science and technology developing harmoniously in the future.Based on the Western Marxism, this paper describes detailed about specific the content of Habermas’s Critical Theory of Technology and Feenberg’s Critical Theory of Technology and compares and analyses the similarities and difference between them. Though inconsistent views on the nature of technology and the methods varies, however, for addressing the plight of contemporary technical issues have made democratization of technology. By comparison, I summed up their enthusiasm and limitations of Critical Theory of Technology. The positive aspects of Habermas’s Critical Theory of Technology is in favor of socialism harmonious society’s construction, the "people-oriented" implementation of the scientific outlook on development and the promotion of human and social development; Feenberg’s Critical Theory of Technology in favor of increased awareness of the relationship between economic, social and natural science and technology.Studies on the critical theory on the two technologies is the interpretation of the depth in science and technology and the modern society:On one hand, an important theoretical significance, Feenberg’s Critical Theory of Technology refers to the theory of Habermas’s view which enriched Western Marxist conception of science and technology on the background of modern society and take a new direction for the development of science and technology; On the other hand, It conducts to a correct choose the path of construction of Socialist harmonious society in China for our approach and it also spreads around the world of human liberation ideas. Habermas and Feenberg’s Critical Theory of Technology varies markedly, but the two ideas are not mutually exclusive. In the modern philosophy of science and technology, research on the critique theory of technology is designed to learn from China’s scientific and technological development. We need to put in a correct perspective both on the similarities and differences between the critique theory of technology which proceed the value of it from objective reality. Also we could not reject their limitations of the theories and have a rational utilization of positive factors of theory. In order to built a socialism with Chinese characteristics and try to make a harmonious development of science, technology and society which advancing continuously the progress of social civilization and the complete liberation of mankind throughout the world.