"This book examines Rousseau’s conception of freedom and its significance for our modern technological world. Drawing on Rousseau’s thought to explore the changing nature of authority, science and technology in modern society, the book’s approach points to how Rousseau had a tragic conception of freedom, one that parallels the circumstances that characterize our own desire for freedom and democracy. Rousseau’s critique of progress is integral to his thought in general and underrated when it comes to our own studies of science, technology and society. This volume refers to cases from the world of ""free software"" to consider our own predicament with how a flood of code and algorithms that is being wrapped around everything from our stuff to our food, to our bodies, our brains and – by extension – our freedom. As such, it will appeal to scholars of social and political theory, philosophy and ethics, particularly those with interests in science and technology studies and the implications of modern technology for freedom."
Introduction Rousseau’s tragic conception of freedom Freedom and method Outline Chapter 1. The Future of Freedom The freedom-machine Bits, genes, and (freedom-)machines Linux as iconic for altruism Selfishness Chapter 2. Science and Society Critique of progress Hobbes and social constructivism Rousseau, social constructivism and its extension to the social contract Knowing nature Rousseau as an immodest witness on education Nature, science and colonialism Conclusion Chapter 3. Social Contracting and Freedom Introduction The method and the contract Social contracting, in between Rousseau and STS Let’s not be modern / or the legacy of the general will Equality and governing Pacts and properties Method and truth Our own attempt at Enlightenment Freedom machines and beyond Freedom and security Freedom and the natural world Conclusion
Eric Deibel is a Lecturer of Science, Technology and Society at the engineering faculty of Bilkent University, Turkey, and is Assistant Professor at the political science faculty. He is a co-author of Recoding Life: Information and the Biopolitical.
