Critical Theory of Technology

The application of Critical Theory to technology—examining how technologies are shaped by social forces, how they embed values and power relations, and how they can serve domination or liberation. Critical Theory of Technology asks: Who designs technology? For whom? With what values? How do technologies reinforce hierarchy or enable freedom? Drawing on thinkers like Heidegger, Marcuse, Feenberg, and Winner, it insists that technology is never neutral—it's politics by other means. Understanding technology requires understanding the society that produces it, and imagining technology otherwise requires imagining society otherwise.

"Your phone is just a tool, they say. Critical Theory of Technology asks: a tool designed by whom? With what values? Collecting what data? Serving what interests? Technology isn't neutral; it's frozen politics. The question isn't just what technology does, but who it does it for. Critical theory insists on asking: could technology be different in a different society?"

Critical Theory of Technology by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 4, 2026