Histories of Human Engineering: Tact and Technology – eBook

Description

The aspiration to master human behavior is a timeless ambition, deeply woven into the fabric of various cultures throughout history. In Derksen’s Histories of Human Engineering: Tact and Technology (PDF), readers are taken on a captivating journey through the evolution of human engineering. This compelling narrative delves into the development of various technologies aimed at managing individual and collective behavior, spanning from the 19th century right up to contemporary times. The book examines a wide array of strategies, from the controversial practices of brainwashing and mind control to the more familiar principles embodied in Dale Carnegie’s renowned methods for effective interpersonal communication.

Derksen emphasizes a recurring theme: the delicate balance between the longing to govern human actions and the innate resistance such attempts often encounter. To effectively influence behaviors, it becomes evident that technology must be harmoniously blended with tact. Whether it’s through subtle suggestions, personalized interactions, or, at times, strategic deception, the processes of manipulation can often become obscured or more acceptable to those subjected to them.

By integrating psychological history and theory with foundational insights from technology, science studies, and rhetorical scholarship, Derksen provides a novel lens through which to view the complexities of human engineering. This book is an essential read for anyone fascinated by the interplay between technology and psychology, as well as those eager to understand the historical context that has shaped modern approaches to human behavior.

ISBN: 978-1-23456-789-0 | ISBN: 978-0-98765-432-1