The mystique of computer technology and the waning of critical enquiry

Sheldon Richmond

pp. 113-127

in: Nimrod Bar Am, Stefano Gattei (eds), Encouraging openness, Berlin, Springer, 2017

Abstract

My argument is as follows: the mystique of technology is an intended consequence in the development of computer technology that inhibits learning from trial and error as well as learning from mentors by nontechnical experts. However, the waning of Socratic or critical thinking is an unintended consequence in the development of computer technology. How can we overcome both the intended consequence of the mystique of technology and the unintended consequence of the waning of Socratic critical enquiry? Democratic control of computer technology, the transfer of control over the computer from the technological elites to the individual users, accomplishes two purposes: (1) Allowing non-experts to learn how to use and control computer technology. (2) Allowing the resuscitation of Socratic critical enquiry in societies dominated by computer technology.