3 Theoretical Perspectives on Technology 45
Autonomous Human Controlled
Neutral i
(complete PaCS SUT
separation of mec (liberal faith
means and Marxism) i Petre
ends)
Value-Laden
(means for DES) Cie ny
way of life (means and ends linked in (choice of alternative
that includes stems CUS)
ends)
Figure 3.1 Theories of Technology and Society
source: Adapted from Feenberg, . (1999). Questioning technology. 8) New York: Routledge, p. 9
Neutral versus Value-Laden
The first dimension encompasses theories that view technology as falling in
the category of either neutral or value-laden. Theories of neutrality describe
technology as separate from human activity and with no effect on natural
ends—that is, on the fundamental elements of human nature (¢.g., ethics,
morality, forgiveness, and happiness). Feenberg argues that this neutraliza-
tion of technology hinders any in-depth analysis of social change because “if
technology merely fulfills nature’s mandate, then the value it realizes must
be generic in scope” (1999, p. 2).
Box 3.1 gives an example that demonstrates that technology is far from
neutral. In this example, social media platforms are utilized to discuss moral
and ethical dilemmas in our society and to inform and mobilize others fora
Social cause.
Are Technologies Neutral? #50dollarsnotSOshades
ust before the movie Fifty Shades of Grey was set to be released, a social media
Cempaign was started on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SOdollarsnotfiftyshades)
and Twitter (#50dollarsnotfiftyshades) that encouraged followers to donate fifty
Gollars to shelters and institutions that help abused women instead of spend-
ing the money on a ticket for the movie Fifty Shades of Grey, popcorn, and drinks
(Couch, 2015). There were three primary sponsors of the campaign: the National
Center on Sexual Exploitation, London [Ontario Abused Women's Centre, and the
Bency Stop Porn Culture.
ContinuedPoli 381 Final Exam
Dec. 5, 2016
7:00-9:00pm CLE A127
The goal of the final exam is to not only give you the opportunity to showcase what you
have learned in this course but also, and more importantly, demonstrate your writing
and analytical skills. This is achieved in two ways. The first half of the exam applies
these skills through the identification and analysis of key terms. The second half of the
final exam asks you to prepare a formal essay in response to a question that links
together some of the concepts and countries we have analyzed in the course. Below
are the details of what you can expect on the exam.
Section I: Short Answers
This section of the exam is worth 50% of the total grade for the final exam.
Seven (7) of the terms listed below, from your weekly outlines, will be on your final
exam. You will have to write on four (4) of the terms. You will be required to define the
term (5/10), explain the significance of the term (analyze) (4/10), and provide an
example (1/10). Explicit or implicit reference to the course readings is essential. Each
term is weighted equally.
Questions to consider when explaining the significance of a term:
+Are there debates surrounding this term? If so, what they?
+ What questions does the term raise concerning media and democracy in Latin
American or generally?
« Why is the term important to the study of media and democracy in Latin America politics
or generally?
To show that you know the difference between definition and significance, label each
section of your answer i.e. 1) Definition; 2) Significance; 3) Example. You may repeat an
example from the definition or significance to place in your example section; | will not
give you credit for an example if it is not identified separately.
For instance, an example of “agenda setting” could be explained in the following
manner:
Example: An example of an agenda setting newspaper in Chile is El Mercurio.
Recommended time: 50 minutes
= - woke He wail
= wikeeco Dilfewma > Qn fi, a Poe D rome ed
Cons Piten a Cealict Megas chdivg, Wet “oven ip
@ utodulry invedin its oun sé@vrily wight crrok
j —_lhensisustiion abe celahess to eller eounbries, Vok dlan' | weed.
| Ue te invesk im ofourive fower te "creck neg” From 0
20 ligsa pscspackwve his might be Aeon as an invested in
| Secukity ecaum a County is Dawning on oflemive attack
Won axowple suelo be Ward Keven: dle iavestwond im rave leer
csciles is yest Poe il owe prokectin ay for harming ol lers ?
wo Moony. a. mostly there! de 4 Hel
A ore bwouielis ora j
OE RPE Te he : policy hove high flere ow
S: Your” Poveigu fica awl to le ote hwoceels
im fhe _inlernctiocl “sysfew op. ins fans ny ae of
Phe ON i, bore one who crude appre jx He glolel susk
Beies: an Wmrowmic oll: gmc behvown Rrevil Boccia Ty olin
| Crime on! South Alic Tass Obiebeiug corb; ae
At uasdlnce “Otte Lb OSooNS ltr big fe eet
| Hel glace po Petves ta the Avene 4
Qaim more inde ponctnd (ov be less obarolait) op He US
: folie “ras bay Yoh. Veledes & ost. colonic lon
Ai nay the hietsrehicel pplokion of Calin irecy orc
L a Bolorres is still pint in He ivtermcheo syctmY Yow
LX ik telson oll aras of Arorrchicel rollins Such
Ban le st of bvele ping cow nbyiss ob Pecling Peelers
ovegolivels oluvebged Oe WT Bxp loi bebion af Kro's
| Vor, by Vw SO be gen o» a Pot of bo color ielisen
“ak
0 ee