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This book examines Rousseau's conception of freedom and its significance for our modern technological world. Drawing on Rousseau's thought to explore the changing nature of authority, science and technology in modern society, the book's approach points to how Rousseau had a tragic conception of freedom, one that parallels the circumstances that characterize our own desire for freedom and democracy. Rousseau's critique of progress is integral to his thought in general and underrated when it comes to our own studies of science, technology and society. This volume refers to cases from the world of "free software" to consider our own predicament with how a flood of code and algorithms that is being wrapped around everything from our stuff to our food, to our bodies, our brains and - by extension - our freedom. As such, it will appeal to scholars of social and political theory, philosophy and ethics, particularly those with interests in science and technology studies and the implications of modern technology for freedom.
List of contents
Introduction
Rousseau’s tragic conception of freedom
Freedom and method
Outline
Chapter 1. The Future of Freedom
The freedom-machine
Bits, genes, and (freedom-)machines
Linux as iconic for altruism
Selfishness
Chapter 2. Science and Society
Critique of progress
Hobbes and social constructivism
Rousseau, social constructivism and its extension to the social contract
Knowing nature
Rousseau as an immodest witness on education
Nature, science and colonialism
Conclusion
Chapter 3. Social Contracting and Freedom
Introduction
The method and the contract
Social contracting, in between Rousseau and STS
Let’s not be modern / or the legacy of the general will
Equality and governing
Pacts and properties
Method and truth
Our own attempt at Enlightenment
Freedom machines and beyond
Freedom and security
Freedom and the natural world
Conclusion
Summary
Drawing on cases from the world of ‘free software’, this book examines Rousseau’s conception of freedom and its significance in the modern world of science and technology, where so much of our experience and activity is enwrapped by algorithms, from our property to our food, bodies, brains and, by extension, our liberty.
