Blizzard of the World

To Live and Die in Technopolis, Part I

September 21, 2020 Christophe Hebert Episode 1
Blizzard of the World
To Live and Die in Technopolis, Part I
Show Notes Chapter Markers

On the first part of To Live and Die in Technopolis, we meet a rare Frenchman who truly understands how the world works, we rail on science and reason for a little while, we get into a time machine to pump the tires of the Greeks and the Romans, and we wish the 19th century took a different turn. Welcome to Blizzard of the World!

1. Introduction to the podcast and to Jacques Ellul (0:51)

2. Definition of technique; its relation to science and to reason (26:50)
2.1. Definition
2.2. Science and technique
2.3. Reason and technique

3. Technique in history; points of reference (43:08)
3.1. Ancient civilizations (Greece & Rome)
3.2. Technique under a Christian Europe (4th to 14th century)
3.3. A revival, a drought and the printing press (15th to 17th century)
3.4. The technical revolution (18th and 19th century)

4. Why did the technical revolution happen in the 19th century? (1:00:00)
4.1. The simplistic answer in three factors:
 a) Science;
 b) Philosophy;
 c) The contemporary mindset.
4.2. The complete answer in five factors:
 a) Accumulation of technical experience;
 b) Increase in population;
 c) Fertile economic grounds;
 d) Flexibility of the social milieu;
 e) Emergence of a clear technical mindset.

5. Conclusion (1:30:43)

http://blizzardoftheworld.buzzsprout.com
Twitter: @blizzardofworld
Email: blizzardoftheworld@gmail.com

"Electric Blues" by Nikitsan Music
Artwork by Pgeshan

Support the show
Introduction to the podcast and to Jacques Ellul
Definition of technique; its relation to science and to reason
Technique in history; points of reference
Why did the technical revolution happen in the 19th century?
Conclusion