The Cult of Information - 2nd Edition by Theodore Roszak (Paperback)

About the Book

"It is obvious that we can no longer proceed developing technologies with our eyes closed to its effects on our psychic habits, social relations and even political ideas. The best eye-opening book on the subject of the implications of a computerized culture is "The Cult of Information." It is nothing short of a basic book for anyone interested in knowing about the ecology of technology."--Neil Postman, author of "Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology"
"This thoughtful, sensitive, and sane book heralds a coming new evaluation of the role of science and technology in the affairs of the human species."--Joseph Weizenbaum, Professor of Computer Science, MIT

Book Synopsis

As we devote ever-increasing resources to providing, or prohibiting, access to information via computer, Theodore Roszak reminds us that voluminous information does not necessarily lead to sound thinking. "Data glut" obscures basic questions of justice and purpose and may even hinder rather than enhance our productivity.

In this revised and updated edition of The Cult of Information, Roszak reviews the disruptive role the computer has come to play in international finance and the way in which "edutainment" software and computer games degrade the literacy of children. At the same time, he finds hopeful new ways in which the library and free citizens' access to the Internet and the national data-highway can turn computer technology into a democratic and liberating force. Roszak's examination of the place of computer technology in our culture is essential reading for all those who use computers, who are intimidated by computers, or who are concerned with the appropriate role of computers in the education of our children.

From the Back Cover

"It is obvious that we can no longer proceed developing technologies with our eyes closed to its effects on our psychic habits, social relations and even political ideas. The best eye-opening book on the subject of the implications of a computerized culture is The Cult of Information. It is nothing short of a basic book for anyone interested in knowing about the ecology of technology."--Neil Postman, author of Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology

"This thoughtful, sensitive, and sane book heralds a coming new evaluation of the role of science and technology in the affairs of the human species."--Joseph Weizenbaum, Professor of Computer Science, MIT

Review Quotes

"An important analysis of the interplay between science and technology on the one hand, and the affairs of living beings on the other. Information technology is a good vehicle for the argument."--Igor Aleksander, "Nature

About the Author

Theodore Roszak is Professor of History at California State University, Hayward. Among his many books are The Voice of the Earth (1992), Flicker (1991), and The Making of a Counter Culture (1969).