The Real World of Technology

Summary

From the 1989 Massey Lectures. Franklin treats technology as practice, “the way things are done around here,” and distinguishes holistic technologies (the maker controls the whole process) from prescriptive ones (divided labor, compliance).

Why it’s useful here

Gives the vocabulary to explain why one-click platforms are prescriptive and why community tech should stay holistic where it can.

Key ideas

• Holistic vs. prescriptive technologies
• Technology as practice, not artifact

Related

• illich-1973-tools-for-conviviality.md
• winner-1980-do-artifacts-have-politics.md