Technoheresies

Technoheresies are beliefs or practices regarding technology that deviate from widely accepted norms or dominant paradigms. The term draws an analogy from religious heresy, where deviations from established doctrine are labeled as such. In the context of technology, a technoheresy might involve a rejection of prevailing trends, a contrarian interpretation of technological impact, or an unconventional approach to technological development or adoption.

These ideas often emerge when established technological paths are questioned. For example, a strong adherence to open-source principles in an era dominated by proprietary software could be seen as a technoheresy by some. Similarly, advocating for a return to simpler, less interconnected technologies in a world obsessed with the latest digital advancements might be considered another form. Technoheresies can also manifest as skepticism towards seemingly inevitable technological progress, or as a belief in the superiority of older, less efficient, but perhaps more human-centric, methods.

The reception of technoheresies varies. Some are eventually validated and become mainstream, marking a significant shift in technological thinking. Others remain fringe ideas, dismissed by the majority. The label itself is often subjective, applied by those who hold the dominant view to those who challenge it. Analyzing technoheresies can offer insights into the cultural, social, and economic forces shaping technological development and adoption.