Man Against Machine: Human Nature and the Limits of the High Tech Revolution

Publication Date: July 2009

Publisher: National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (U.S.)

Author(s): David Kraemer

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Technology; Social Patterns; Jewish Text

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author discusses the ways in which the computer is changing society and the interaction of people within it. But he remains optimistic that technological revolution will not change human society at the most fundamental level. In his view, the screen cannot replace the flesh because humans thrive on real, not virtual companionship. He argues that the Torah agrees with this claim, declaring, from the very beginning, that "it is not good for the human to be alone." If the Torah is correct, then the social consequences of the technological revolution will be limited by the social nature of the very humans whom it affects. Consequently, we will continue to live in face-to-face communities very much like those we know today.