The Double Helix: Technology and Democracy in the American Future

by Edward Wenk Jr.

Overview

Whoever controls technology controls the future. While that prospect stings, it has a bright side. America's preeminence stems from a remarkable intertwining of technology and democracy. The Constitutions set the course. Technology provided the means. As we recognize that technology is about power, physical, economic and political, business is facilitated but principles of liberty and justice may be at risk. This book examines causes and offers remedies to strengthen self-government and restore politics as the public life of a people.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781567504309
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	04/26/1999
Series:	Civic Discourse for the Third Millennium
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

EDWARD WENK, Jr. is Emeritus Professor of Engineering and Public Affairs from the University of Washington at Seattle. He has served as a presidential advisor during three separate administrations and published several books dealing with the technology of politics.

Table of Contents

Prologue
Technology as a Social Enterprise
Enigmas of a Technological Age
Unrecognizrd Roles of Government
Information—Society's Nervous System
Survival—To Be Alive and Free
The Multiple Roles of Industry
The Politics of Technology and the Technology of Politcs
Survival Stategies: The Social Capacity for Responsive and Accountable Management
What Will Tomorrow Be Like?
Epilogue
Refernces
Author Index
Subject Index

Editorial Reviews

Drawing on his half-century career as an engineer, science policy adviser to the US government, and social critic, Wenk sets out what he sees as threats to democracy from technological innovation, focusing on those that require a political rather than technological solution. He discusses technology as a social enterprise, information as society's nervous system, the roles of government and industry, survival strategies, and other aspects. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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