Technological Optimism in 1970s and 1980s Popular Culture: Innovation, Creativity, Prosperity, and Freedom
15.04.2026, 13:30 Uhr - 17.04.2026, 12:30 Uhr
Leibniz-Institut für Europäische Geschichte
Alte Universitätsstraße 19
55116 Mainz
Deutschland
digital@ieg-mainz.de
h t t p s : / / i e g - d h r . g i t h u b . i o / t e c h n o _ o p t i m i s m /
While technology is one of the most important factors shaping contemporary society, it is hard to say whether our current era regards it more with hope or with dread. Debates surrounding the role of technology in our lives are highly polarised.
This conference seeks to explore the cultural and intellectual roots of technological optimism in the 1970s and 1980s. These decades – while marked by significant technological advancements, many of which had their roots in the more optimistic 1960s – were marked by pervasive undercurrents of technological pessimism. The conference aims to take into account various perspectives in regards to different geopolitical contexts. Those who are interested in attending the conference, can register by sending a brief e-mail to digital@ieg-mainz.de by 25 March 2026.
Schlagwörter
Optimismus, Pessimismus, Technologie, Technologische Entwicklung, Technologie, Technologischer Wandel, Optimism, Pessimism,
| Art der Veranstaltung | Konferenz / Tagung / Fachtagung / Kolloquium / Kongress / Symposium |
|---|---|
| Inhaltsbereich der Veranstaltung | Wissenschaft/Bildungsforschung |
| Adressaten | Hochschullehrer/innen / Forscher/-innen |
| Tagungssprache | Englisch |
| Veranstalter |
Leibniz-Institute of European History Mainz |
| Zuletzt geändert am | 19.02.2026 |
