Technological nature : adaptation and the future of human life / Peter H. Kahn, Jr.

Author/creator Kahn, Peter H.
Format Book
Publication InfoCambridge, Mass. : MIT Press, ©2011.
Descriptionxviii, 230 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
Subjects
Technological forecasting.
Technology--Social aspects.
Bionics.

Contents Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- 1: Old way -- 2: Biophilia -- 3: Technological turn -- 4: Room with a technological nature view -- 5: Office window of the future? -- 6: Hardware companions? -- 7: Robotic dogs in the lives of preschool children -- 8: Robotic dogs and their biological counterparts -- 9: Robotic dogs might aid in the social development of children with autism -- 10: Telegarden -- 11: Environmental generational amnesia -- 12: Adaptation and the future of human life -- References -- Index.
Abstract Overview: Our forebears may have had a close connection with the natural world, but increasingly we experience technological nature. Children come of age watching digital nature programs on television. They inhabit virtual lands in digital games. And they play with robotic animals, purchased at big box stores. Until a few years ago, hunters could "telehunt"-shoot and kill animals in Texas from a computer anywhere in the world via a Web interface. Does it matter that much of our experience with nature is mediated and augmented by technology? In Technological Nature, Peter Kahn argues that it does, and shows how it affects our well-being. Kahn describes his investigations of children's and adults' experiences of cutting-edge technological nature. He and his team installed "technological nature windows" (50-inch plasma screens showing high-definition broadcasts of real-time local nature views) in inside offices on his university campus and assessed the physiological and psychological effects on viewers. He studied children's and adults' relationships with the robotic dog AIBO (including possible benefits for children with autism). And he studied online "telegardening" (a pastoral alternative to "telehunting"). Kahn's studies show that in terms of human well-being technological nature is better than no nature, but not as good as actual nature. We should develop and use technological nature as a bonus on life, not as its substitute, and re-envision what is beautiful and fulfilling and often wild in essence in our relationship with the natural world.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
LCCN 2010035834
ISBN9780262113229 (hardcover : alk. paper)
ISBN0262113228 (hardcover : alk. paper)

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Joyner General Stacks T174 .K35 2011 ✔ Available Place Hold