Ian Mcewan’s Reflection On Technology In Solar And Machines Like Me

Ian Mc Ewan(1948—)is one of the most influential contemporary British writers,whose works are lauded for their incisive portrayal of complex social issues.Mc Ewan has long been interested in the relationship between technological progress and human survival.This fascination with technology is emphasized in many of his works,such as The Child in Time and Saturday.Therefore,his ongoing interest in science reflects his long-standing contemplation of the relationship between technological progress and everyday life.Drawing on Feenberg’s critical theory of technology,this thesis makes a study of Ian Mc Ewan’s novels Solar and Machines Like Me,with an aim to delve into his critical reflections on technological society and his view on science and technology constructed in Mc Ewan’s writings through the discussion of the representation,causes,and solutions to technological paradoxes explored in the two novels.Mc Ewan explores the relationship between technological civilization and humans,as well as the paradoxes that humans encounter as a result of technology.Although technological advancements promote productivity,they also create problems.The ultimate goal of technological development is to bring happiness to humanity,yet the protagonists in these novels struggle with their own issues.Firstly,through the portrayal of technological paradoxes,this thesis provides an in-depth interpretation of the reasons for these paradoxes discussed in the novels.The outdated knowledge and perceptions of technology held by the characters are the main causes of the paradoxes,in combination with the instrumental theory and substantial theory of technology.Furthermore,based on Feenberg’s theory of instrumentalization,this thesis explains another reason for technological paradoxes:technology has only achieved primary instrumentalization in modern society,not secondary instrumentalization.Lastly,Mc Ewan regards the democratization of technology as a solution to these paradoxes.In Solar,the democratization of technology is relatively rudimentary,centered around technological experts and bound to fail.However,in Machines Like Me,it involves wider public participation in technological design.Nevertheless,due to social inequality caused by technology and the protagonist’s disenchantment with technology,democratization fails to realize its full potential in the end.This thesis has found that Mc Ewan rejects the instrumental and substantial theories of technology,emphasizes the role of the democratization of technology in reconciling the contradictions between technology and humanity,and asserts the necessity of maintaining human subjectivity in the face of technology.Mc Ewan’s scientific discourse in his novels has significant value in guiding readers to establish a comprehensive view of science and technology by reflecting on the inhumanity of technology and the imperfections of humanity.