Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 1-4-2008
Journal / Book Title
Theory and society
Abstract
In the late twentieth century, many social scientists and other social commentators came to characterize the world as evolving into an “information society.” Central to these claims was the notion that new social uses of information, and particularly application of scientific knowledge, are transforming social life in fundamental ways. Among the supposed transformations are the rise of intellectuals in social importance, growing productivity and prosperity stemming from increasingly knowledge-based economic activity, and replacement of political conflict by authoritative, knowledge-based decision-making. We trace these ideas to their origins in the Enlightenment doctrines of Saint Simon and Comte, show that empirical support for them has never been strong, and consider the durability of their social appeal.
DOI
DOI: 10.1007/s11186-007-9049-6
Journal ISSN / Book ISBN
0304-2421
MSU Digital Commons Citation
Rule, James B. and Besen-Cassino, Yasemin, "The once and future information society" (2008). Department of Sociology Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works. 25.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/sociology-facpubs/25
Published Citation
Rule, James B., and Yasemin Besen. "The once and future information society." Theory and society 37, no. 4 (2008): 317-342.
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