Further Research On Feenberg’s Critical Theory Of Technology

With the speeding up of social modernization process, the technology gettingrapid development, and is widely applied in all aspects of social life. Technologypromoting the social modernization process, meanwhile, produced some negativeeffects and social problems. That has sparked the thinking and reflection on thetechnology. Technology philosophy research arises in such a social background, andproduces important influence, also received widespread attention in western society.As new generation leaders of Frankfurt School, Feenberg in-depth explorationand research the technological progress and social development, in the ideologicalfoundation of critique of technology inheriting and discarding the Marx, Heideggerand Marcuse. That has formed his unique critical theory of technology. Feenbergcriticized the two traditional technical theories, through the introduction of “TechnicalCode” concept, to put forward his own theory of instrumentalization, and show avariety of direction and potential in the development of technology. On this basis,Feenberg using the demonstration method of social construction and allowing thegeneral public participation in technical design, to make technology forming reflectmore interests of the participants and social value. Feenberg emphasizes therationality and the way of realization technology of democracy, points out thealternative and diversity development of modern technology in the future. The criticaltheory of technology of Feenberg revised the lack of previous philosophy oftechnology. That reveals feasibility to realize the democracy of technology, and pointsout the direction of the development of technology and society in the future.This paper first discusses the main theoretical sources of Feenberg’s philosophyof technology, points out the innovation Feenberg’s thought beyond the predecessors.Secondly, comprehensive combs and summaries Feenberg’s technology thoughtthrough the view of Technological Essence, Social Constructivism, TechnologicalDemocratization and the Alternative modernity, points out the inherent logic ofcritical theory. This part mainly discusses the new interpretation of essence of technology. And through the feasibility of technology of democracy and alternativemodernity, to make a prediction of technology development in the future, and pointout the rationality direction of human society. Finally, through evaluation the criticaltheory of technology of Feenberg, reveals its theoretical contribution and realisticenlightenment to technology development of our country.