Description
Book SynopsisThe Western Devaluation of Knowledge is an exploration of the causes and effects of Western cultural changes that have evolved during the past half millennium of industrialization to diminish the value of knowledge as process. Western culture has developed a conceptualization and valuation of knowledge that reverses the traditional knowledge continuum that connects data (information) to understanding. As a result, we displace the subjective and human features of knowledge with automated systems that conforms with information and devalues the knowledge process. This book explains this change as a result of the industrial influences that began to gain strength in the 15th century and continued on that path through today's economic and cultural globalization. The author shows that science and technology, while bringing good on many fronts have also:Weakened or replaced traditional sources of cultural authority,Advanced a materialistic outlook; Hastened the broad spread of capitalist val
Trade ReviewThe Western Devaluation of Knowledge by Charles B. Osburn is a historical account of how knowledge and information have become conflated in capitalist/consumerist society. It is a valued contribution to those in the library field who are trying to think broadly about the transformations brought about by the information revolution. -- David E. Woolwine, Associate Professor of Library Services and Reference Librarian, Hofstra University
Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1. Introduction: the Ways and Means of Cultural Change Chapter 2. Science, Industry and the Invention of a New Worldview Chapter 3. Management as Cultural Authority Chapter 4. The Cultural Values of Work and Leisure Chapter 5. The Strategy & Spirit of Capitalism Chapter 6. From Material Need to Consumer Culture Chapter 7. Higher Learning as Marketplace Chapter 8. Globalization of the Tightening Systems Knot Chapter 9. Time to Think Chapter 10. Balancing Values through Cultural Change Chapter 11. Progress and Myth Chapter 12. Knowledge Devalued: Summary & Conclusions Bibliography
