“The Critical Theory of Technology…argues that the real issue is not technology or progress per se but the variety of possible technologies and paths of progress among which we must choose.” - Andrew Feenberg

Feenberg discusses three theories of technology.

1.) Instrumental Theory of Technology- The dominant view of modern governments and the policy sciences on which they rely.

Feenberg states that this is the most widely accepted view of technology. As an “instrument” we see technology as tools ready for its user to use. The instrumental theory of technology has considered neutral:

A.) Indifferent to the variety of things it can do.
B.) Indifferent in respect to politics.
C.) Maintains cognitive status in every conceivable social context.
D.) Universality of technology means the same standards of measurement can be applied in different settings.

This theory focuses on the people’s use of technology rather than the technology alone. This allows people to focus on the use rather than the design of the technology. This theory suggests that technology is transferable to other cultures and is efficient as well.

2.)Substantive Theory of Technology- technology as subservient to values established in other social spheres, while the latter attributes an autonomous cultural force to technology that overrides all traditional or competing values.

This theory is believed to constitute a new type of cultural system that restructures the entire social world as an object of control. It assumes that technology’s design will change the ways in which an organization or culture will operate. The substantive theory places emphasis on the design of the technology. This theory suggests that people can make choices about technology and that technology becomes the environment.

3.) Critical Theory of Technology- Preserves the best in both while opening the prospect of fundamental change.