Erewhon and Walden Two: Essay -- Comparative, Butler, Skinner

Close your eyes. Listen. What do you hear? Do you hear the gentle hum of a computer? Do you hear the noise of a distant radio or television? Do you hear the constant drone of a fan? Do you hear anything at all? Most likely you are near some sort of technological device. Whether that be the calculator in your desk, the watch on your wrist, or the light bulb giving you the ability to read this essay (typed on a computer, by the way). The plain fact is that it is almost impossible to escape technology. It cannot be debated that our modern society has accepted the role of technology in the future of just about all aspects of our lives. We can see it in the economy, the military, domestically and internationally. To many the integration of technology is a great convenience, to others a great mishap. Technology is a central idea presented in both Samuel Butler’s Erewhon, as well as B.F. Skinner’s Walden Two. However, the two authors take a very different approac h to their perception of technology in a Utopian society. The societies of Erewhon, and Walden Two, both recognize technology as a means to make life easier, however, their societal perceptions of technology and its affects on their future differ. Butler in Erewhon, and Skinner in Walden Two, both relate that technology is means to make life easier. And while, each utopia has a different view on the effects of that technology it is important to note this distinctive similarity. The society of Erewhon has a very distinct negative view on any type of technology. However, Butler is very careful to note that technology does help to improve a person’s condition and ability to succeed. For instance Gibbs translates one author’s view on machines as s... ...whon the key to the future of society is the repression of technology, the key to the future of Walden Two is embracing technology. In conclusion, technology is viewed by both of these utopian societies as a way to improve life. This in itself is not very ground shaking or surprising. However, it is essential to note in order to understand the great difference between the two Utopias. One embraces technology and encourages its exploitation, innovation and production as a way to further the individual’s and society’s happiness. The other on the other hand views technology as evil, something to be hidden and destroyed. It is seen as a danger not only to the physical attributes of society but also their future freedom. Thus, both societies understand that technology is useful, but differ in their views on societal perspectives and its effects on the future.