The Reference Significance of Feenberg’s Technological Democratization to the Technological Development of Contemporary China

Abstract

This paper focuses on Feenberg’s theory of democratization of technology, and deeply analyzes its reference value to the technological evolution of contemporary China. This paper first reviews the core meaning of the theory, focusing on the two key concepts of “technology code” and “instrumental theory”, and points out that the process of technology design needs to be deeply integrated into social values and multiple interest demands, and public participation is the core path to realize the democratization of technology. On this basis, the article first affirms the breakthroughs China has made in the frontier areas of artificial intelligence and digital technology, and then analyzes the multiple challenges facing the current stage of development, including the risk of technological ethics anomie, the hidden danger of industry monopoly, and the lack of enthusiasm and depth of public participation in the technological process. Finally, combined with the theoretical core, the paper puts forward the targeted enlightenment and practical strategies: in the policy dimension, the government should embed the concept of technological democracy into the top-level planning to promote the openness and transparency of technological decision-making; in the enterprise level, the government should actively practice the principle of technological democracy to build the bottom line of social responsibility while pursuing economic benefits; In the field of social culture, efforts should be made to improve the public’s technological cognitive literacy and foster an atmosphere of technological development advocating democratic participation.