Simone Weil’s Analysis of Modern Science as the Basis of her Critique of the Technological Society
Publication Type |
Book Chapter |
Year of Publication |
2010 |
Author |
|
Editor |
Rozelle-Stone, A. Rebecca (Adrian Rebecca) Stone, Lucian |
Book |
The Relevance of the Radical: Simone Weil 100 Years Later |
Pages |
123-138 |
Publisher |
Continuum |
Place Published |
New York |
Language |
English |
Chapter |
8 |
Keywords |
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Annotation |
Schmidt focuses on Weil's critique of modern science, particularly her contention "it was the source of our social problems, and was in need of radical reform before any positive social change could be effected". (p. 124). Included in the discussion are the ethical impact of the increasing specialization and complexity of modern scientific development, particularly how this gives rise to the possibility of action occurring without an understanding of the complex thought behind it and thus an inability to consider the potential results of it. Schmidt drawing on Weil's work offers a helpful overview of how science came to be in such a position and what might be some of the very troubling social and scientific consequences arising from it. |