Langdon Winner

Definition

Langdon Winner is a prominent scholar in the field of science and technology studies, known for his contributions to understanding the relationship between technology, society, and culture. He argues that technology is not neutral and can influence social arrangements and power dynamics, emphasizing how specific technologies can shape human behavior and societal structures in profound ways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Winner is known for his concept of 'technological politics,' which explores how technologies can create specific political outcomes and influence power relations in society.
2. He challenges the notion of technological neutrality by illustrating how certain technologies can reinforce or disrupt existing social hierarchies.
3. Winner’s work emphasizes the importance of considering the broader societal implications of technological choices and designs.
4. His influential essay 'Do Artifacts Have Politics?' questions whether non-human objects can have political consequences by shaping human interactions.
5. Winner advocates for a critical examination of technology’s role in shaping cultural norms, urging stakeholders to recognize their responsibilities in the design and implementation of new technologies.

Review Questions

• How does Langdon Winner's view challenge the idea of technological neutrality?
  • Langdon Winner challenges the idea of technological neutrality by arguing that technologies are not just tools but can shape social structures and power dynamics. He posits that the design and use of technology can reinforce or disrupt existing hierarchies, suggesting that the impact of technology goes beyond its intended functions. This perspective encourages a deeper analysis of how specific technologies can influence human behavior and societal arrangements.
• Discuss the implications of Winner's concept of 'technological politics' for understanding contemporary technologies.
  • Winner's concept of 'technological politics' implies that contemporary technologies do not operate in a vacuum but are deeply intertwined with political outcomes. For example, social media platforms can influence public discourse and political mobilization, affecting democratic processes. By examining how these technologies shape interactions among users and institutions, we can better understand their role in modern governance, surveillance, and social movements, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in their design.
• Evaluate how Winner's critiques contribute to current debates about technology's role in society, particularly in relation to social justice.
  • Winner's critiques contribute significantly to current debates about technology's role in society by emphasizing the need for equity and justice in technological development. His assertion that technologies can exacerbate social inequalities prompts discussions about who has access to new technologies and who benefits from them. By advocating for a critical approach to technology design that considers its societal impact, Winner encourages stakeholders to address issues such as digital divide, algorithmic bias, and surveillance capitalism, thereby promoting a more just technological landscape.

Related terms

Technological Determinism: The theory that technology develops independently and determines societal changes, often seen as a perspective that overlooks the social context in which technology is created.

Social Constructivism: A perspective that views technology as a product of social processes, where human decisions shape the development and use of technology.

Ethics of Technology: A field of study that examines the moral implications and responsibilities associated with technological development and its impact on society.