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The concept of a 'megamachine' - a closed system operating to a pre-established utilitarian purpose which results in the machinization of humanity - has existed in various forms since late 19th century. This book builds on previous attempts to define and analyse the machine and argues that modern industrial capitalism is at the heart of it.
List of contents
Introduction
Part I: Birth And Development of The Idea of The Megamachine - From Nietzsche to Scheidler
1. Mumford's Proposition on The Megamachine (1934 And 1966)
2 The Resurgence of The Megamachine Concept at The Beginning of The 21st Century: Latouche's Position (2004)
3 Scheidler's Thesis: The End of The Megamachine (2020)
Part II: The True Modern Megamachine: Origins, Expansion and Solutions for its Death
4. The Concrete Reality of Capitalist System and Its Consequences For The Formation Of The Modern Megamachine
5. Presentation Of Some False Solutions Advocated by Financial Capitalists And Their Allies
6 Towards A New Governance of Companies And Nations To Kill The Megamachine
Conclusion Appendix Bibliography Index
About the author
Jacques Richard is Emeritus Professor at the University of Paris Dauphine, France. He is also an ex-Chartered Accountant and Counsellor of Trade Unions and ex-member of the Authority of Accounting Standards (Paris). In 2013, he received the "Best Manuscript Award" from the Academy of Accounting Historians.
Summary
The concept of a ‘megamachine’ - a closed system operating to a pre-established utilitarian purpose which results in the machinization of humanity – has existed in various forms since late 19th century. This book builds on previous attempts to define and analyse the machine and argues that modern industrial capitalism is at the heart of it.
