Jacques Ellul
French sociologist, lay theologian and critic of technique (1912 to 1994).
At a glance
Main ideas
Technique, Humans adapt to it, Christian anarchism …
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The Presence of the Kingdom, The Technological Society, Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes …
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Also on this page: Key facts · Links · Sources · Related pages
- Ellul was a sociologist and lay theologian who taught for most of his career at the University of Bordeaux.
- His central theme was the threat that modern technology, or technique, poses to human freedom.
- He was a Christian anarchist, and he wrote more than 60 books and 600 articles.
- In World War II he was a leader in the French Resistance.
Why it matters
- His account of technique as a self-driving force shaping all of modern life remains a touchstone for critics of technology.
Key facts
- Born
- 6 Jan 1912, Bordeaux, France1
- Died
- 19 May 1994, Pessac, France1
- Education
- Universities of Bordeaux and Paris1
- Career
- Professor of history and the sociology of institutions in the law faculty of the University of Bordeaux1
- Honour
- Righteous Among the Nations, Yad Vashem (2001), for saving Jews in World War II1
- Output
- More than 60 books and 600 articles1
Main ideas
-
Technique1
"The totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency" in every field of human activity.
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Humans adapt to it1
Instead of serving people, technique makes them adapt and accept total change.
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Christian anarchism1
New institutions should grow from the grass roots.
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Think globally, act locally1
A phrase he is credited with coining.
Books to start with
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Connections
Links
Sources
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