What is in the Theory section?

The Theory section discusses various theorists who have taken a stand on technology, communication, and literacy. Some argue that technology is here to stay, and as a society we had better accept it as an essential part of our lives. However, some insist that technology is not making our culture better; it is encroaching on our environment and slowly infringing on our freedom, knowledge, and privacy.

Technological Utopians and Anti-Utopians often do not see the whole picture. Their view is sometimes slanted by their hopes and fears for a future controlled by technology. The theorists discussed in this section, however, do offer valid viewpoints and see different ways that technology will affect culture and communication. Each theorist brings a different perspective to the technological argument.

Birkerts, Lanham, and Ong express concerns about the different ways in which new technologies will impact our culture. Bolter, Landow, and Postman express their ideas about technology and communication. All the theorists in this section can influence the technical communication field. Since professional communicators work in the space that exists between technology and the written word, we should use technology to our advantage.

Wisdom is knowing about certain causes and principles.