Scientism and Technocracy in the Twentieth Century

The Legacy of Scientific Management

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, History, World History, Modern, 20th Century
Cover of the book Scientism and Technocracy in the Twentieth Century by Richard G. Olson, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard G. Olson ISBN: 9781498525718
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: December 16, 2015
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Richard G. Olson
ISBN: 9781498525718
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: December 16, 2015
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

Scientism, or the application of methods, attitudes, and concepts drawn from the natural sciences to human activities and social policy formation, is a pervasive feature of modern life, and it is one which has immense impact upon virtually all aspects of our private and public lives. This work explores the impact of Scientific Management, a movement initiated at the beginning of the twentieth century by the mechanical engineer, Frederick Winslow Taylor, in spreading scientistic attitudes through its appropriation by technical experts (technocrats) who have played a central and growing role in formulating public policies, not just in the United States, but throughout the world. It explores the movement of Scientific Management out of its initial American industrial context into progressive politics in the United States, into the policies of the Third Reich, those of the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, into Cold War policy formation in both the U.S. and the U.S.S.R , and into those of contemporary China and the European Union, with short but important excursions into France, Sweden, Japan, and the developing world. Moreover it also explores some of the aesthetic dimensions of scientism and technocracy, especially as they have been reflected in modernist architecture and literature, and it examines current trends in education and the structure of advisory organizations such as RAND Corporation which are shaping the character and impact of scientistic and technocratic attitudes. Overall the approach is ambivalent toward scientism, acknowledging some of its great strengths in promoting economic growth and providing advice on security related issues, but offering criticisms of its narrow emphasis on efficiency, its insensitivity to qualitative considerations and the experience of those with specialized local knowledge, and its long term tendency to ignore distributive justice and promote income concentration.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Scientism, or the application of methods, attitudes, and concepts drawn from the natural sciences to human activities and social policy formation, is a pervasive feature of modern life, and it is one which has immense impact upon virtually all aspects of our private and public lives. This work explores the impact of Scientific Management, a movement initiated at the beginning of the twentieth century by the mechanical engineer, Frederick Winslow Taylor, in spreading scientistic attitudes through its appropriation by technical experts (technocrats) who have played a central and growing role in formulating public policies, not just in the United States, but throughout the world. It explores the movement of Scientific Management out of its initial American industrial context into progressive politics in the United States, into the policies of the Third Reich, those of the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, into Cold War policy formation in both the U.S. and the U.S.S.R , and into those of contemporary China and the European Union, with short but important excursions into France, Sweden, Japan, and the developing world. Moreover it also explores some of the aesthetic dimensions of scientism and technocracy, especially as they have been reflected in modernist architecture and literature, and it examines current trends in education and the structure of advisory organizations such as RAND Corporation which are shaping the character and impact of scientistic and technocratic attitudes. Overall the approach is ambivalent toward scientism, acknowledging some of its great strengths in promoting economic growth and providing advice on security related issues, but offering criticisms of its narrow emphasis on efficiency, its insensitivity to qualitative considerations and the experience of those with specialized local knowledge, and its long term tendency to ignore distributive justice and promote income concentration.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book The Politics and Culture of Modern Sports by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Higher Education by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Muslims in Amdo Tibetan Society by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book What People Believe When They Say That People Believe by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Faith, Hope, Love, and Justice by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Foundations of Relational Realism by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Justice in the Marketplace in Early Modern Spain by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book The Rhetoric of Religious Freedom in the United States by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book The Narrative Mediterranean by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Stepping Out of the Brain Drain by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Anthropological Research Framing for Archaeological Geophysics by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Prayer Shawl Ministries and Women’s Theological Imagination by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Uncovering Indigenous Models of Leadership by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book Aristocratic Souls in Democratic Times by Richard G. Olson
Cover of the book The Origins of Religious Violence by Richard G. Olson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy