Art and Technics

In this book, the distinguished American historian, sociologist, and philosopher of technology Lewis Mumford (1895–1990) explores the fundamental tension between artistic and technical principles in modern civilization. He traces the historical roots of the division between the “organic” world of art and the “mechanical” world of technology, analyzing how this opposition has shaped contemporary culture. Mumford shows that the dominance of technical thinking has led to an impoverishment of human experience and a loss of the most important symbolic and aesthetic dimensions of life. At the same time, the book is not a simple indictment of technological progress. Instead, Mumford offers a profound reflection on the possibilities of synthesizing the artistic and technical principles that can enrich human culture. He argues about the need to restore the balance between creative self-expression and technical rationality in order to create a more harmonious civilization. This classic work remains a relevant reflection on the place of art and technology in modern society and the possibilities for their fruitful interaction.