From the Golem to Freedom: A Study on Technology and Religion

Gábor L. Ambrus explores how human beings relate to contemporary information technology, using religious traditions to describe the freedom and 'unfreedom' of users. He adopts the figure and legend of the golem to illustrate how individuals relate to technology in a restricted and totalitarian online environment, presenting the experience of nothingness as a source of freedom.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Gábor L. Ambrus delves into the intricate relationship between human beings and contemporary information technology, with a particular emphasis on the role of social media in shaping this interaction. In his comprehensive exploration, Ambrus argues that religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity, as well as secular philosophical thought influenced by religious principles, offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of information technology usage. By drawing upon these traditions, Ambrus seeks to describe both the freedoms and constraints experienced by users in the digital realm.

To illustrate the complexities of human-technology interaction in a restricted and totalitarian online environment, Ambrus adopts the figure and legend of the golem from Jewish mysticism. This metaphor serves as a powerful tool to convey the sense of being controlled and manipulated by technology, highlighting the need for alternative perspectives. However, Ambrus' argument goes beyond the confines of religious symbolism and incorporates various religious concepts and themes to offer an alternative to the current predicament of "unfreedom."

At the heart of Ambrus' argument lies the concept of experiencing nothingness as a source of freedom. By embracing the void, individuals can break free from the constraints imposed by technology and establish a more liberated relationship with information technology. This perspective challenges the notion that technology is solely responsible for shaping our experiences and opens up the possibility for a harmonious coexistence between humans and technology.

Through his thoughtful exploration, Ambrus invites us to reevaluate our relationship with information technology and explore new avenues for freedom and empowerment in the digital age. His argument provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of human-technology interaction and offers a hopeful vision for a future where technology serves as a tool for human flourishing rather than a source of control and manipulation.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350361270