Frankenstein monsters, or unintended consequences of technological innovation – Part II: Risk society

When innovation goes wrong Technological innovation is the lifeblood of our society, but at what point does it go wrong?  According to Mary Shelley’s mythic story, Frankenstein, it’s when we’re no longer able to control our inventions.  In Shelley’s myth, Victor Frankenstein learns this lesson after the machine-like creature he recklessly invents spins out of control … Read more

Frankenstein monsters, or unintended consequences of technological innovation – Part I: Runaway technologies

Visions of Frankenstein Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is no doubt one of my favorite novels.  It marks the dawn of a new era: a modern mythology in media, known as science fiction.  Published in 1818, familiarity with the plot endures thanks to Hollywood.  When a mad scientist, Victor Frankenstein, discovers how to reanimate dead matter, … Read more