New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Brian Donahue, Emeritus Professor at Brandeis University and co-owner of Bascom Hollow Farm, discusses sustainable building practices with local wood. He highlights his journey of constructing a home using underappreciated tree species like hemlock and black cherry. Donahue critiques the industrial wood economy and urges a return to sustainable forestry reminiscent of early colonial practices. He emphasizes the need for a harmony between conservation and housing demands, advocating for innovative solutions to build responsibly with the environment.

Megan Rae Blakely, a law lecturer at Lancaster University specializing in intellectual property and cultural heritage, dives into the challenges of preserving diverse cultural expressions in our tech-driven world. She discusses 'tangification' and its effects on intangible cultural heritage, highlighting Scotland's innovative strategies for legal protection. The conversation explores cultural tourism conflicts in Ireland, the impact of digital platforms on community identity, and how online gaming fosters engagement with heritage. A fascinating journey through law, culture, and technology!

Katherine C. Epstein, author of "Analog Superpowers," explores the fascinating world of military technology theft in the 20th century. She dives into the pioneering work of inventors Arthur Pollen and Harold Isherwood, who revolutionized naval fire control with their analog breakthroughs. The conversation highlights legal battles over intellectual property rights, shedding light on how national security influenced the appropriation of technology. Epstein also contrasts early patent struggles with contemporary challenges, emphasizing the ongoing tension between innovation and government secrecy.

Jennifer Denbow, a political science professor at California Polytechnic State University, dives into the intricate relationship between reproductive labor and technology. She critiques the obsession with innovation, arguing it often obscures the true value of care work, especially for marginalized groups. The discussion highlights how prenatal testing and gig economy caregiving reveal societal biases and the need for collective support. Denbow emphasizes the importance of recognizing interdependency and balancing technological solutions with social responsibility.

Liliana M. Naydan, an Associate Professor of English at Penn State Abington, dives into the interplay between digital technology and literature in the early 21st century. She explores how authors like Don DeLillo and Zadie Smith portray the complexities of human relationships in a digital age, navigating themes of authenticity and romance. The discussion touches on capitalism's impact on literature and globalization's tensions, revealing how fiction critiques our evolving identities amidst increasing technology and connectivity.

Jordan S. Carroll, author of "Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right," dives into the troubling intersection of science fiction and white supremacist ideologies. He discusses how fascists claim that only white men envision the future, creating narratives of exclusion. Carroll explores the appropriation of sci-fi by the far-right to promote racially purified utopias, while antifascist fans resist these narratives. He also critiques how the alt-right's visions of post-humanism intertwine with technological advancements and traditional ideologies.

Fiona Smyth, a historian of architecture and science, dives into the intriguing intersection between acoustics and architecture. She recounts a fascinating 1951 scientific demonstration at St Paul’s Cathedral, exploring whether buildings can act as musical instruments. The discussion highlights key innovations in acoustic measurement during the 20th century, wartime adaptations for concert venues, and the pivotal roles women played in music and acoustics post-war. Smyth's insights reveal how aesthetic design can harmonize with sound quality to elevate public architecture.

Joshua Pauling, co-author of "Are We All Cyborgs Now?", delves into our intricate relationship with technology, encouraging listeners to reflect on their identity in a machine-driven world. He shares his personal journey through the shift from traditional to digital education, advocating for a balanced approach. The discussion also touches on the historical critique of technology's impact on humanity, as well as ideas from the Amish community about technology's role in family and faith life. It's a thought-provoking conversation about reclaiming our humanity amidst the digital landscape.

Dive into the provocative debate on whether robots should have rights, inspired by Joanna Bryson’s controversial essay. Explore the ethical implications of treating machines as slaves versus persons. Discuss the dangers of anthropomorphizing robots and how this might influence human relationships. Challenge traditional ideas of personhood as technology advances. Uncover the complexities of human-robot interactions and the societal consequences of granting non-human entities rights.

Balkan Cyberia: Cold War Computing, Bulgarian Modernisation, and the Information Age Behind the Iron Curtain (MIT Press, 2023) examines the history of the computer industry in socialist Bulgaria. Combining the histories of technology and political economy with that of the Cold War and the modern Balkans, Balkan Cyberia challenges the notions of backwardness, the importance of small states in large geopolitical systems, the nature of the Iron Curtain, and the concept of 1989 as a convenient end-point in the history of communism. By drawing on Bulgarian, Indian, and Russian archives, as well as a range of interviews, this work reveals how a small Balkan state used its unique advantages to gain major markets, and in the process transform its political thinking. A local and a global story at the same time, the story of the Bulgarian computer offers unique insights into the history of the twentieth century information age.Iva Glisic is a historian and art historian specialising in modern Russia and the Balkans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society