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Creating a taxonomic tool for technocracy and applying it to Silicon Valley

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  • Sadowski, Jathan
  • Selinger, Evan

Abstract

Although much criticism has been leveled against technocracy, the multi-layered problem has been analyzed in piecemeal fashion and has yet to be subject to robust classification. Consequently, it can be difficult to determine when allegations of technocracy are true, and the extent to which new instances of technocracy perpetuate longstanding problems. To close this gap in scholarship, we have created a taxonomy of technocracy that identifies three things: 1) the central domains where technocracy emerges, 2) the basic means by which technocratic power is instantiated, and 3) the quintessential types of harms technocratic discipline engenders. To demonstrate the explanatory power of the taxonomy, we apply it to Silicon Valley and clarify how this contemporary example of technocracy relates to past instances.

Suggested Citation

  • Sadowski, Jathan & Selinger, Evan, 2014. "Creating a taxonomic tool for technocracy and applying it to Silicon Valley," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 161-168.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:38:y:2014:i:c:p:161-168
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2014.05.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dotson, Taylor, 2012. "Technology, choice and the good life: Questioning technological liberalism," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 34(4), pages 326-336.
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    Cited by:

    1. Coeckelbergh, Mark & Sætra, Henrik Skaug, 2023. "Climate change and the political pathways of AI: The technocracy-democracy dilemma in light of artificial intelligence and human agency," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    2. Sætra, Henrik Skaug, 2020. "A shallow defence of a technocracy of artificial intelligence: Examining the political harms of algorithmic governance in the domain of government," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    3. Kim, Eun-Sung, 2020. "Deep learning and principal–agent problems of algorithmic governance: The new materialism perspective," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).
    4. Gunderson, Ryan, 2016. "The sociology of technology before the turn to technology," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 40-48.
    5. Caprotti, Federico, 2016. "Defining a new sector in the green economy: Tracking the techno-cultural emergence of the cleantech sector, 1990–2010," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 80-89.

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