Edward Tenner Knihy

V době, kdy všichni stále více používáme zařízení, jejichž vývoj sahá do relativně daleiké minulosti, přichází Edward Tenner s hlubokou analýzou vztahu mezi člověkem a přístroji. Uvádí velké množství citací z vědeckých prací a dostupné literatury, zabývající se často negativními průvodními jevy objevování nových technologií na poli medicíny, životního prostředí,, kanceláře a další, českému čtenáři neznámé skutečnosti. Vzájemným porovnáním těchto jevů a jejich dopadem na sociální a kulturní kontext dané epochy, včetně té naší, vytváří velice plastický obraz současné reality tak, jak si ji málokdy máme čas uvědomit. Lehce čtivé a přitom obohacující: nejen o znalosti evropských dějin, ale i o náhled do lidských duší.

A "skillful and lucid" (The Wall Street Journal) way of thinking about efficiency, challenging our obsession with it—and offering a new understanding of how to benefit from the powerful potential of serendipity. Algorithms, multitasking, the sharing economy, life hacks: our culture can't get enough of efficiency. One of the great promises of the Internet and big data revolutions is the idea that we can improve the processes and routines of our work and personal lives to get more done in less time than we ever have before. There is no doubt that we're performing at higher levels and moving at unprecedented speed, but what if we're headed in the wrong direction? Melding the long-term history of technology with the latest headlines and findings of computer science and social science, The Efficiency Paradox questions our ingrained assumptions about efficiency, persuasively showing how relying on the algorithms of digital platforms can in fact lead to wasted efforts, missed opportunities, and, above all, an inability to break out of established patterns. Edward Tenner reveals what we and our institutions, when equipped with an astute combination of artificial intelligence and trained intuition, can learn from the random and unexpected.

Exploring the unintended consequences of human inventions, the author reveals how technology shapes our lives in unexpected ways. Dubbed "the philosopher of everyday technology" by National Public Radio, he delves into the intricate relationship between creation and impact, illustrating how our innovations often return to influence us profoundly. This engaging history highlights the complexities of invention and its lasting effects on society.

The collection features essays by Edward Tenner that delve into the dual nature of human creativity, examining how innovation can lead to unexpected challenges as well as beneficial outcomes. Through insightful analysis, Tenner highlights the complexities of technological advancements and their societal impacts, encouraging readers to reflect on the surprises that stem from human ingenuity.