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Technoscientific Organisms and the History of Fascism Inside Technology

John Green

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Published in Fascist Pigs: Technoscientific Organisms And The History Of Fascism (Inside Technology)

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In a world increasingly shaped by technology, it is imperative that we question the underlying ideologies and power structures that drive its development and deployment. Technoscientific Organisms and the History of Fascism Inside Technology, a groundbreaking work by esteemed scholars of technology and history, shines a penetrating light on the deeply troubling parallels between the rise of technoscientific organisms and the history of fascism.

The Genesis of Technoscientific Organisms

The concept of technoscientific organisms emerged in the early 20th century, promising to blend human and machine in a symbiotic utopia. However, as the authors meticulously demonstrate, this vision was tainted from its inception with a sinister undercurrent of social control and biological determinism.

Fascist Pigs: Technoscientific Organisms and the History of Fascism (Inside Technology)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11494 KB
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Print length	:	449 pages
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Technoscientific organisms, in their essence, are assemblages of humans, machines, and data, interconnected through complex networks of surveillance, communication, and control. This interconnectedness, while offering potential benefits, also creates a fertile ground for the concentration of power and the erosion of individual autonomy.

Echoes of Fascism in Technoscientific Regimes

The authors draw chilling parallels between the rise of fascist regimes and the development of technoscientific organisms. These parallels extend across multiple dimensions:

Surveillance and Control: Fascist governments relied heavily on surveillance and control to maintain their power. Technoscientific organisms, with their ubiquitous sensors and data collection capabilities, possess the potential to create an unprecedented level of surveillance, enabling constant monitoring and manipulation of individuals.
Social Engineering: Fascist regimes sought to mold society according to their own distorted ideologies. Technoscientific organisms, through targeted data analysis and behavioral nudges, can subtly influence and shape individual behavior, potentially leading to a form of social engineering.
Biopolitics: Fascist ideologies often emphasized biological determinism and the supposed superiority of certain groups over others. Technoscientific organisms, with their ability to collect and analyze genetic and health data, can fuel dangerous narratives of genetic essentialism and exacerbate social divisions.
Totalitarianism: Fascism aspired to total control over every aspect of society. Technoscientific organisms, with their pervasive reach and data-driven decision-making, create the potential for a new kind of totalitarianism, where individuals are constantly monitored, evaluated, and controlled.

Case Studies of Technofascism

The book provides compelling case studies that illustrate the insidious ways in which technoscientific organisms have been deployed to advance fascist agendas:

The Nazi Eugenics Program: The authors trace the chilling connections between the Nazis' eugenic policies and the development of early technoscientific organisms, which were used to justify forced sterilization and the elimination of perceived undesirables.
Surveillance in the Digital Age: The book examines the rise of mass surveillance programs in democratic societies, arguing that these programs have created a dangerous technoscientific infrastructure that could be easily repurposed for fascist control.
Social Media Manipulation: The authors analyze the role of social media algorithms in shaping public opinion and manipulating political outcomes, raising concerns about the potential for these algorithms to be used for political oppression.

Resisting Technofascism

While the book paints a sobering picture of the dangers posed by technoscientific organisms, it also offers a path forward for resistance. The authors emphasize the importance of:

Critical Literacy: Cultivating the ability to critically evaluate technology and its potential implications for society.
Data Privacy and Security: Demanding strong data protection laws and advocating for responsible data stewardship.
Democratic Oversight: Establishing robust mechanisms to ensure that technoscientific organisms are developed and deployed in a transparent and accountable manner.
Social Movements: Mobilizing collective action to resist the encroachment of techno fascism and protect human rights and freedoms.

Technoscientific Organisms and the History of Fascism Inside Technology is a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling work that exposes the hidden dangers lurking within our increasingly technological world. By understanding the historical parallels between technoscientific organisms and the rise of fascism, we can arm ourselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to resist the insidious forces that seek to undermine our liberties and control our lives.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, history, and politics. It is a wake-up call that challenges us to confront the dark underbelly of our digital age and to demand a more just and equitable future for all.

Fascist Pigs: Technoscientific Organisms and the History of Fascism (Inside Technology)

4.7 out of 5