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Philosophical Reflections on the Microelectronic Revolution

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Philosophy and Technology II

Part of the book series: Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science ((BSPS,volume 90))

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Abstract

Microelectronic technology maintains a modern split between revolutionary machinery and conventional commodity. This is mirrored in the division between labor devoted to the construction and maintenance of technological artifacts and leisure devoted to the consumption of commodies. On the labor side, microelectronics by way of automation will eliminate much degrading work and increase affluence. On the leisure side, the distraction and passivity of typical technological pastimes will be aggravated. In the longer historical perspective, the microelectronic revolution is not revolutionary at all, but only intensifies tendencies which have been at work for two centuries.

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© 1986 D. Reidel Publishing Company

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Borgmann, A. (1986). Philosophical Reflections on the Microelectronic Revolution. In: Mitcham, C., Huning, A. (eds) Philosophy and Technology II. Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science, vol 90. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4512-8_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4512-8_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8510-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-4512-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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