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Technology as system: towards an autopoietic theory of technology

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  • André Reichel

Abstract

This contribution develops a new notion of technology based on core ideas of Niklas Luhmann’s sociological system theory. Technology will be conceptualised as a self-making, self-referencing system, distinct from society and the human individual. Its basal operation is information in the medium of operativeness, processing along the binary code of work/fail. Through close coupling with social systems as well as with human developers and users of technology, technological evolution is ensured as a co-evolutive network of technology and society. Thereby technology irritates society in a way that social reality is created by technology and all progress in technology as well as in society is now decided through technological means. This has great effects when dealing with the ecological crisis and the need for sustainable development. This will be illustrated with the example of the automobile in past, present and possible futures.

Suggested Citation

  • André Reichel, 2011. "Technology as system: towards an autopoietic theory of technology," International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 5(2/3), pages 105-118.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijisde:v:5:y:2011:i:2/3:p:105-118
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    Cited by:

    1. Schmid, Eva & Pahle, Michael & Knopf, Brigitte, 2013. "Renewable electricity generation in Germany: A meta-analysis of mitigation scenarios," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 1151-1163.
    2. V. L. Tambovtsev, 2019. "Institutions-technologies interaction and economic growth," Journal of New Economy, Ural State University of Economics, vol. 20(2), pages 55-70, May.
    3. Roland W. Scholz & Eric J. Bartelsman & Sarah Diefenbach & Lude Franke & Arnim Grunwald & Dirk Helbing & Richard Hill & Lorenz Hilty & Mattias Höjer & Stefan Klauser & Christian Montag & Peter Parycek, 2018. "Unintended Side Effects of the Digital Transition: European Scientists’ Messages from a Proposition-Based Expert Round Table," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-48, June.
    4. Kerschner, Christian & Ehlers, Melf-Hinrich, 2016. "A framework of attitudes towards technology in theory and practice," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 126(C), pages 139-151.

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