ABOUT THE EVENT

In this lecture, Professor Andrew Feenberg (Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of Technology, Simon Fraser University) will offer an overview and analysis of the theory known as critical constructivism. Critical constructivists argue that the technologies we use are not neutral: their invention and use incorporate social values of all sorts, depending on the actors who influence the design of such technologies. Professor Feenberg will illustrate this way of understanding our technological world with examples from current technological developments that demonstrate trends toward democratic thinking, which in turn culminate in important social correctives such as today's environmental movement.

Craig Gay (Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Regent College) and Brent P. Waters (Emeritus Jerre and Mary Joy Professor of Christian Social Ethics, Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary) will offer brief responses to Professor Feenberg's lecture. The evening will conclude with a panel-style discussion on technology and society among the three speakers, moderated by Jens Zimmermann (J.I. Packer Professor of Theology and Director of the Houston Centre, Regent College).

This event will be offered onsite in the Regent College Chapel, and will be available via livestream and recording at rgnt.net/live.

ABOUT DR. ANDREW FEENBERG

Dr. Andrew Feenberg is Canada Research Chair in Philosophy of Technology in the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University, where he directs the Applied Communication and Technology Lab. He is widely published in a range of fields, including philosophy of technology, continental philosophy, and the work of Herbert Marcuse. His most recent title is The Ruthless Critique of Everything: Nature and Revolution in Marcuse's Philosophy of Praxis (Verso, 2023).