Question

leo's marx perpective on progess

Answer 1

Leo Marx was a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is an author recognized for his efforts in the field of American studies. More specifically, he has studied the relationship between technology and culture in 19th- and 20th-century America.

Leo Marx criticizes the viewpoint that improved technology is a measure of progress in society. Technological innovation is increasingly becoming a measure of social progress. He considers technology to be a sudden and shocking intrusion into a pastoral scene. Earlier, people considered or measured advancement in terms of useful arts. Technology is nothing, but mechanics art. Fine arts was superior to mechanics art. The concept of technology later attained a higher class or a more intellectual, scientific and university level. Leo Marx criticizes the fact that human progress has become equal to technological progress. Technology demands a complex and complete system for it to work all the time.

So, Leo Marx questions people's belief that technology is the driving force of our society. It determines our future and is of utmost importance. Due to 'technological progress', progress in terms of development of moral and political standards is being neglected. According to Leo Marx, it is moral and political standards which shape the society, and not machines and technology.