Light Green Illusions and the ‘Blind Field’ of Techno-optimism

Abstract

Temples were amongst the earliest form of built environment, pointing to the fact that religion, faith and superstition have always played a defining role shaping the urban landscape, both physically and culturally. Even today, at the centre of most towns and cities, one almost always finds a temple or church of some denomination, where people throughout history have gathered in search of metaphysical consolation or guidance. Like religion but in different ways, technology has also shaped and continues to shape the nature and development of towns and cities-the way we build; how we transport ourselves and our goods; the products and services that can be provided; how we entertain ourselves and communicate, etc. These things are all a function of the state of technological development, and together our technologies, as well as the cultural practices they both engender and reflect, help weave the fabric of urban life. In short, human beings are historically embedded creatures of faith and technology-but increasingly, it seems, we have become urban creatures whose faith is technology. While faith in traditional religions may be on the wane in many places, secular alternatives are arguably on the rise. A new religiosity has emerged in the form of neoclassical economics, with its evangelists 3 Light Green Illusions and the 'Blind Field' of Techno-optimism