ABSTRACT
The texts collected in this volume approach, using theoretical-reflexive methods, the difficult and multi-faceted problem of the impact of the new technologies upon the delicate fabric of the social world. They draw the picture of a grand hubris of modernity that is being built in the form of a majestic structure of technology and engineering. The scope of this hubris, which has cultic, gnostic and magical roots, claims universality via ‘globalisation’ and is easily identifiable in the Enlightenment’s ‘mission’ to subordinate, conquer, dominate and exploit both nature and mankind. The technologisation of the social is the culmination of a long series of projects aimed at dismantling, fracturing, disconnecting, reverse engineering and deconstructing everything that had been given to humans in the form of community, gift relations, participation, grace, love, truth, belonging, respect and harmony.
