Technocracy is a political ideology that advocates for the control of society or industry by an elite of technical experts. This system of governance emphasizes the role of science and technology in decision-making processes, rather than traditional political ideologies or public opinion. The term "technocracy" was first used in the early 20th century, derived from the Greek words "techne," meaning skill, and "kratos," meaning power.
The technocratic movement gained prominence during the Great Depression in the United States, when a group of engineers and economists proposed a radical restructuring of the economy based on energy accounting, rather than traditional monetary economics. They argued that technical specialists, such as engineers and scientists, were better equipped to handle the complexities of modern society than traditional politicians. This movement, known as Technocracy Inc., was led by Howard Scott and gained significant attention in the 1930s, but gradually lost influence after World War II.
Despite this, the concept of technocracy has remained influential in various forms. For instance, it has been applied to the European Union, which is often described as a technocratic institution due to its reliance on expert committees. Similarly, the term has been used to describe governments that have appointed non-politician experts to key positions, such as economists or engineers.
However, technocracy has also been criticized for its potential to undermine democratic processes. Critics argue that technocrats, who are often unelected, may lack accountability to the public. Furthermore, they contend that technical expertise does not necessarily equate to political wisdom, and that a focus on efficiency may overlook important social and ethical considerations.
In conclusion, technocracy is a political ideology that emphasizes the role of technical experts in governance. While it has been influential in various contexts, it has also been subject to criticism for its potential to undermine democratic processes.
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