Technology, Urban Space and the Networked Community

This collection explores the contradictory effects of technocapitalism and humanism in urban spaces, highlighting the need for a post-anthropocentric approach to express the potential of an eco-sensible 'new earth.'

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 311 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This collection sets the stage for a lively and thought-provoking scholarly debate exploring the complex and often contradictory effects of technocapitalism and humanism in urban spaces. While these ideologies aim to offer autonomy and empowerment, they inadvertently lead to intolerable contradictions, resulting in a slavish adherence to machines. Representing a groundbreaking shift in grammatical perspective, this book heralds a new ethical and political praxis that challenges the anthropocentrism of bio-politics and neoliberalism. It seeks to articulate the inherent potential of an eco-sensitive 'new earth' that fosters human flourishing and ecological harmony.

The introduction to the collection sets the stage for the ensuing discussions. It highlights the ambivalence of technocapitalism and humanism in urban spaces, where they are intended to provide freedom and agency but often result in paradoxical outcomes. The authors argue that these ideologies perpetuate a narrow focus on human interests, disregarding the broader ecological and social implications of technological advancements.

In the first chapter, the authors delve into the historical roots of technocapitalism and humanism in urban spaces. They trace the emergence of these ideologies from the Enlightenment era and their subsequent influence on urban planning, architecture, and social policies. The chapter highlights the ways in which these ideologies have shaped the urban landscape, emphasizing the concentration of wealth and power in specific areas, the marginalization of marginalized communities, and the ecological degradation of natural environments.

The second chapter explores the contradictions inherent in technocapitalism and humanism in urban spaces. The authors argue that while these ideologies promise autonomy and empowerment, they ultimately lead to a dependence on machines and a loss of human agency. They highlight the ways in which technology has become a tool for surveillance and control, perpetuating social inequalities and eroding democratic values. The chapter also explores the ethical implications of these contradictions, such as the exploitation of labor and the disregard for human rights.

The third chapter examines the role of eco-sensible urbanism in addressing the contradictions of technocapitalism and humanism. The authors argue that an eco-sensitive approach to urban planning and design can provide a framework for creating sustainable and resilient cities. They highlight the importance of incorporating natural ecosystems into urban spaces, promoting renewable energy sources, and designing buildings that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The chapter also explores the political dimensions of eco-sensible urbanism, including the need for social and economic justice and the role of community participation in decision-making processes.

The fourth chapter explores the potential for a post-anthropocentric grammar to address the contradictions of technocapitalism and humanism in urban spaces. The authors argue that an eco-sensitive approach to grammar can help to reimagine the relationship between humans and the natural world. They highlight the need for a new ethical and political praxis that recognizes the intrinsic value of all living beings and the interconnectedness of ecosystems. The chapter also explores the role of education and cultural institutions in promoting a post-anthropocentric perspective and fostering a sense of ecological responsibility.

In conclusion, this collection offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the complex and often contradictory effects of technocapitalism and humanism in urban spaces. It challenges the dominant ideologies of our time and provides a roadmap for creating more sustainable and equitable cities. By embracing an eco-sensitive approach to urban planning and design, we can strive to create a future where human flourishing and ecological harmony are mutually reinforcing.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030888114
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022