A Study On Mumford’s Technology Thought Of Megamachine

Lewis Mumford is the American famous philosopher of technology andtechnology historian. He was respected as the originator of Humanities Philosophyof Technology. In the History of Technology and Philosophy of Technology field,Mumford’s main achievements can be summarized into three aspects: introspectionabout technology which is as core of Megamachine; dividing the history oftechnology into the eotechnic phase, the paleotechnic phase, the neotechnic phase;dividing technology into polybasic technology and single technology; theMegamachine theory is most important in these achievements. In hisMegamachine theory，Mumford carried out a profound analysis and fiercecriticism of technology, and point out the solutions for the harm brought bymegamachine. Mumford’s thought of technology can be divided into two periods,in the early stage he is optimistic about technology, in the latter stage he is cautiousabout technology.Because Mumford’s Megamachine thought is valueable and timely, in recentyears, there has been a phenomenon that more and more people start researchingMumford’s thought. Studying on Mumford’s thought, can complement previousstudies, can find the real value of Mumford, can help us to resolve the dilemma ofmodern technology, can have some inspirations to the introspection of moderntechnology, to promote the study of philosophy of technology.In term of this paper, mainly do the following innovative works:Firstly, the second chapter analyzes Mumford’s life time and spacebackground, and through the analysis of the two background points out mainreasons that causeing Mumford’s thought difference in differernt stage.The threetechnological revolution in modern times and New York city development are themain reasons.Secondly, the third chapter is the main part of this paper. In this chapter，thetechnical thought of Mumford and Mumford’s Meamachine thought were chained together. Using the history of Megamachine explain Mumford’s division of historyof technology. The two representative works："technics and civilization" and "themyth of the machine" have a more clearly contact after the working, in thischapter.Thirdly, the third innovation is reflected in the objective comments ofMumford thoughts. The article points out that Mumford’s thought hastranscendence, call the regression of humanism; and also points out the limitationsof Mumford’s thought, expression by overstate the function of human nature. Andthe sulation of Megamachine is romantic and unrealistic. Then, putting forward theidea of constructed Humanities Philosophy of Technology after the analysis ofMumford thought.Fourthly, expounding Mumford’s thought theoretical origin and academicinfluence. Considering that Marx, Weber, Geddes are attributed to Mumford’sthought enlightenment; pointed out the influence of Mumford’s thought on Fromm,Marcuse and Ellul.Fifthly, expounding the value of Megamachine thought from three aspects:with nature, with science and technology,and with humanity.