I covered the background philosophy of Technocracy in Technocracy Rising, which led to the mechanistic thinking of Technocrats in the 1920s and 1930s. Taken to excess, it resulted in total control over the environment and man himself by a narrow slice of society dominated by pathological megalomaniacs. Encasing man in a machine from which there is no escape seems right to them. To us, it is the scourge of human agency and free will. ⁃ Patrick Wood, Editor.

Imagine a world where your city’s traffic is managed by algorithms smarter than the best drivers, where environmental policies are crafted by climate scientists rather than politicians, and where economic strategies are designed by seasoned economists who can predict market trends with remarkable accuracy. This is not a futuristic fantasy but a vision rooted in the principles of technocracy.

Technocracy is a form of governance where decision-making is vested in technical experts. This concept diverges from traditional political systems where elected representatives or appointed bureaucrats manage the affairs of the state. Instead, technocrats are chosen based on their expertise and specialized knowledge in their respective fields, such as science, engineering, or economics.

The allure of technocracy lies in its promise of efficiency and rationality in governance. By leveraging the skills and knowledge of experts, it is believed that more informed and effective policies can be formulated, addressing complex societal issues with precision and foresight.

Why is it Important to Know what Technocracy is ?

Technocracy gained traction in the early 20th century, as industrialization and technological advancements created new challenges that seemed beyond the grasp of traditional political ideologies. During times of economic crisis or war, technocratic approaches often gained popularity, as they offered seemingly objective solutions to urgent problems. The New Deal in the United States, for instance, incorporated technocratic ideas in its vast array of public works and economic recovery programs.

In contemporary society, the concept of technocracy remains relevant, especially as the world grapples with issues like climate change, cybersecurity, and global health crises. Technical experts are often at the forefront of policy discussions, providing critical insights that shape national and international responses. However, the reliance on technocrats also raises questions about democratic accountability  and the role of public participation in a society where specialized knowledge is paramount.

Technocracy, therefore, represents a complex paradigm that intersects with democracy, authority, and expertise. Its evolution through time reflects the changing relationship between science, technology, and society, and continues to rouse debate about the best way to govern in an increasingly complex and technologically driven world.

Early Advocates of Technocratic Governance

The notion of technocracy, where governance is conducted by those with specialized knowledge and expertise, particularly in science and technology, has roots that can be traced back to the works of several historical philosophers. These thinkers laid the groundwork for the technocratic ideas that would evolve over the centuries.

Francis Bacon, a Renaissance philosopher, is best known for his works that advocate for the empirical method and scientific inquiry. In his utopian narrative, ‘New Atlantis,’ Bacon portrayed a society that was governed by a council of learned individuals who prioritized the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge. This vision underscored the belief in the potential of a technocracy to leverage scientific understanding for the betterment of society.

Henri de Saint-Simon, a French social theorist, took the idea further by explicitly proposing a society led by an elite class of scientists, engineers, and industrialists. He believed that the industrial revolution had created conditions ripe for a new form of governance. Saint-Simon’s conceptualization of a technocratic society influenced later technocratic thought and was particularly resonant during the rise of centralized economic planning in the 20th century.

Auguste Comte, a French philosopher and a contemporary of Saint-Simon, is often regarded as the father of sociology and a proponent of the positivist school of philosophy. Comte’s ‘law of three stages’ posited that societies evolve through religious, metaphysical, and scientific phases, with the final ‘positive’ stage characterized by a scientific understanding of the world. In this stage, Comte envisioned a society governed by a “priesthood” of secular experts who would use their knowledge to administer public affairs, aligning with technocratic principles.

The influence of these thinkers is also linked with the philosophical musings of Plato, who, in his work ‘The Republic,’ described an ideal society ruled by philosopher-kings. These rulers would be individuals educated in philosophy and mathematics, capable of understanding the forms of justice, and therefore best suited to govern. Plato’s philosopher-kings can be seen as a precursor to the modern technocrat, emphasizing the role of knowledge in governance.

These early advocates of technocracy shared a common belief in the capacity of knowledge, particularly scientific and technical expertise, to improve governance and society. They laid the intellectual foundations that would later be built upon by 20th-century technocrats and continue to influence contemporary discussions on the role of experts in public administration.

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