ENGR - PHIL 482 - Test 3 With
Complete Solution
Although machines may seem to be the culmination of 'technique', why does
Ellul believe this concept has surpassed even them?
a) human beings have lost the skills required to survive without machines
b) machines have deceived humans into thinking they bring about positive
results
c) now human beings are dependent on complex systems, not just their
component machines
d) suited for one purpose in a narrow set of conditions, machines are
inefficient due to their lack of flexibility - ANSWER d) suited for one purpose
in a narrow set of conditions, machines are inefficient due to their lack of
flexibility
'Technique', as the master of machines and humans, determines where these
belong according to their particular qualities.
T/F - ANSWER False
Why does Ellul believe 'technique' extends not only to machines but also to
human beings?
a) technique claims to direct humans in addition to machines, determining
when they are necessary
b) the use of bionic devices has blurred the distinction between man and
,machine
c) human beings are becoming increasingly reliant on machines to survive
d) human beings now interact with machines more than with other humans -
ANSWER a) technique claims to direct humans in addition to machines,
determining when they are necessary
Along with other renowned contemporaries, Jacques Ellul believed that the
danger of technology lies in to what purposes it is used.
T/F - ANSWER False
Ellul defines 'technique' such that it applies to every field of human activity.
T/F - ANSWER True
When do humans begin to be treated like machines, according to Ellul's
argument?
a) when decision-making processes are automated
b) when humans are no longer the optimum contributors to a particular
process
c) when interacting with digital (rather than analog) technology
d) when analyzing human nature at the level of whole populations - ANSWER
b) when humans are no longer the optimum contributors to a particular
process
Which of the following are problematic viewpoints of 'technique', according
to Ellul?
(choose all that apply)
, a) if human properties are not subjugated to 'technique', inefficiency is
introduced into the system
b) human beings are thought as replaceable resources, instead of unique
individuals
c) technique should only be applied to collective actions
d) all of these are problematic viewpoints of technique
e) standardization and rationalization cannot be applied to the human sphere
of experiece - ANSWER a) if human properties are not subjugated to
'technique', inefficiency is introduced into the system
b) human beings are thought as replaceable resources, instead of unique
individuals
That contemporary politics are driven by polling numbers and
algorithms-and devalue qualities like genius and finesse-could be considered
a manifestation of Ellul's concerns
T/F - ANSWER True
Democracy in particular prioritizes the value of efficiency as advocated by
'technique'.
T/F - ANSWER True
Which contemporary issue could be predicted by Ellul's critique of
technology?
a) the radical miniaturization of circuit boards that has put computers in
every person's pocket
b) the development of a pervasive surveillance apparatus justified by law
Complete Solution
Although machines may seem to be the culmination of 'technique', why does
Ellul believe this concept has surpassed even them?
a) human beings have lost the skills required to survive without machines
b) machines have deceived humans into thinking they bring about positive
results
c) now human beings are dependent on complex systems, not just their
component machines
d) suited for one purpose in a narrow set of conditions, machines are
inefficient due to their lack of flexibility - ANSWER d) suited for one purpose
in a narrow set of conditions, machines are inefficient due to their lack of
flexibility
'Technique', as the master of machines and humans, determines where these
belong according to their particular qualities.
T/F - ANSWER False
Why does Ellul believe 'technique' extends not only to machines but also to
human beings?
a) technique claims to direct humans in addition to machines, determining
when they are necessary
b) the use of bionic devices has blurred the distinction between man and
,machine
c) human beings are becoming increasingly reliant on machines to survive
d) human beings now interact with machines more than with other humans -
ANSWER a) technique claims to direct humans in addition to machines,
determining when they are necessary
Along with other renowned contemporaries, Jacques Ellul believed that the
danger of technology lies in to what purposes it is used.
T/F - ANSWER False
Ellul defines 'technique' such that it applies to every field of human activity.
T/F - ANSWER True
When do humans begin to be treated like machines, according to Ellul's
argument?
a) when decision-making processes are automated
b) when humans are no longer the optimum contributors to a particular
process
c) when interacting with digital (rather than analog) technology
d) when analyzing human nature at the level of whole populations - ANSWER
b) when humans are no longer the optimum contributors to a particular
process
Which of the following are problematic viewpoints of 'technique', according
to Ellul?
(choose all that apply)
, a) if human properties are not subjugated to 'technique', inefficiency is
introduced into the system
b) human beings are thought as replaceable resources, instead of unique
individuals
c) technique should only be applied to collective actions
d) all of these are problematic viewpoints of technique
e) standardization and rationalization cannot be applied to the human sphere
of experiece - ANSWER a) if human properties are not subjugated to
'technique', inefficiency is introduced into the system
b) human beings are thought as replaceable resources, instead of unique
individuals
That contemporary politics are driven by polling numbers and
algorithms-and devalue qualities like genius and finesse-could be considered
a manifestation of Ellul's concerns
T/F - ANSWER True
Democracy in particular prioritizes the value of efficiency as advocated by
'technique'.
T/F - ANSWER True
Which contemporary issue could be predicted by Ellul's critique of
technology?
a) the radical miniaturization of circuit boards that has put computers in
every person's pocket
b) the development of a pervasive surveillance apparatus justified by law
