Abstract

What is modernity in architecture? In English speaking world, the question is likely impossible to answer without considering the works of Peter Reyner Banham (1922–1988). Regardless of his polemist and disparaging style in his critical writings, this study argues that Banham offers a constructive renewal for the body of knowledge on history and theory of modernity in architectural design. Accordingly, he posits and disposes architectural profession with scientific and technological vision in the front line of struggle for environmental betterment. For him modernity in architecture comprises triad components: function, technology, and aesthetics by which historical milestones come into being. A study on Banhams engagement with modernity is considerably necessary regarding his conviction that history of architecture happens as the consequence of interactions of technological innovations and design creativities, and in response to socioeconomic circumstances as well.

Abstract

Throughout this essay a balance on Jürgen Habermas’ theoretical itinerary is exposed. We review his deeper motivations and questions to see how they anticipated to his mature reflections. It is highlighted the prevailing trends in social science to limit the reflection about the theoretical basis of this author and their possible connection with the subject of reason. After that, we present a summary of Frankfurt School main proposals, as well as a balance of the evolution perceived by critical theory about society and its key problem areas. It is emphasized the intent of this School to build an alternative paradigm face to the emergence of new forms of intelligibility, scientificity and rationality in social science. Finally, we present some ideas whose aim is to open a discussion about the theoretical and political importance found in entire Habermas work.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze some subjective issues for understanding why the killing of workers in the School Domingo Santa María de Iquique, is one of the milestones that inaugurates a new era on the nature of pain and horror in contemporary Chile. Owners of an Enlightenment vision about life, present and future, the cognitive distance that Chilean workers woven in relation to the death in the early twentieth century didn’t allow them to anticipate the complex and contradictory social universe that the modernization involved. Characterized by violent death, severe pain and moral injustice, the slaughter perpetrated in 1907 turned this educational institution in historic cleaving to the advent of contemporary political massacres and in a symbol of the contradictions that constitute modernity and modernization processes in the twentieth century.

Abstract

This article aims to show the main proposals of Ulrich Beck about how the technological risks function in the context of the so-called second modernity, in order to expose their implications in terms of new forms of reflexivity in complex societies. We analyze the relationship between reflexivity, scientific knowledge and epistemological pluralism to understand how technological risks, posed with an increasing force, question the authority of science, therefore leading to new areas of organization, conducive to claim various groups excluded from public discussions on scientific and technological matters. In this paper, we try to provide some important elements for analysis of current problems regarding the risks and dangers technologically produced, allowing us to locate different forms of reflexivity in contemporary social environments. Therefore, we want to show the validity of the main tenets offered on the sociology of risk and the theory of reflexive modernity in relation to notions proposed by CTS studies in philosophy of science, specifically based on the approach of post-normal science raised by Silvio Functowicz and Jerome Ravetz, who problematize, like Beck, reflective political dimension of technological risks, however, he does it with a more epistemological emphasis which appears to an interdisciplinary and dialogical horizon concerning knowledge of the risk. Making this junction between both perspectives, allow us in our view, to understand the relevance of the contributions of the sociology of risk and expand their thoughtful routes in relation to other social philosophical fields

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to establish a comprehensive view of societal trends that have an impact on mobility and logistics in the future. Based on a review of scientific literature, the output of European research projects and reports from consultancies, the result of this investigation provides a broad and comprehensive set of factors that influence, and will influence in the future, mobility and logistics. The set is composed of 29 trends organised under 9 larger categories covering economic issues, societal issues, urbanisation, the environment, the digital society, new business models, safety, security and the legislative framework. The present analysis has greatly benefitted from the concept of liquid modernity developed by Bauman that enabled a broad and complete view on the dynamics of society and mobility. It allows describing linkages between social and economic trends, and between society and technology, especially information and communication technology. Thus, the added value of this contribution is its systematic approach allowing to describe this complex topic in an exhaustive manner while focussing on links and dependencies. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

Classical sociology was built upon three constitutive beliefs, rarely discussed. The first defined the space of sociology, the second defined the time and the third the position of the observer and the type of discourse. All three defined the subject matter of sociological investigation and the way to address it. This paper attempts to do three things: 1) identify these three beliefs, 2) make them explicit and discuss them, 3) ultimately transcend tem, go beyond them profiting from three evidences: globalization, post-modernity and reflexivity. It is thus an exercise in sociology of sociology, understood as a general epistemological reflection that makes explicit (as singular subject) social reflexivity, understood, not as a self-analysis of the soci- ologist, but as a reflexivity of society upon itself.