Jacques Ellul, French philosopher and critic (d. 1994)

Jacques Ellul (January 6, 1912 – May 19, 1994) was a highly influential French intellectual, distinguished as a philosopher, sociologist, lay theologian, and professor. Notably, he was also a prominent Christian anarchist, a stance reflecting his commitment to radical Christian ethics and a critical view of state power and societal institutions. His rigorous academic background, combined with a profound ethical and theological perspective, shaped his unique and incisive critiques of modern society.

For many years, Ellul held the esteemed position of Professor of History and the Sociology of Institutions on the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences at the University of Bordeaux. His career was marked by prodigious scholarly output, evidenced by more than 60 books and over 600 articles. These extensive writings consistently explored critical issues such as the pervasive nature of propaganda, the profound societal impact of technology (and, more specifically, "technique"), and the complex interaction between religion and politics.

The central and most compelling theme underpinning Ellul's vast body of work was the inherent threat posed by modern "technique" – which he meticulously distinguished from mere "technology." For Ellul, technique is the autonomous, pervasive pursuit of efficiency, rationalization, and effectiveness in all human activities, including social organization, management, and even human relationships, not just the development of machines. He argued that this relentless drive for efficiency subtly, yet powerfully, undermines human freedom and genuine religious faith by creating an environment where means become ends, and efficiency becomes the ultimate value.

Crucially, Ellul did not advocate for the eradication or wholesale rejection of modern technology or technique. Instead, his fundamental aim was to provoke a change in humanity's perception of it: shifting from viewing technique as an irresistible, self-regulating force that dictates the status quo to recognizing it as a mere tool, subject to human control and ethical direction. This critical distinction and call for conscious awareness are paramount to understanding his unique perspective and proposed solutions.

Among his most seminal and widely influential books are The Technological Society (originally published in French as La Technique ou l'Enjeu du siècle in 1954, with its English translation following in 1964) and Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes (published in French in 1962, English translation in 1965). In The Technological Society, he meticulously detailed how technique becomes an all-encompassing, self-perpetuating system that permeates every aspect of modern life. In Propaganda, he explored the mechanisms of modern propaganda, arguing that it subtly manipulates individuals, integrating them into the very technological system it seeks to serve, often without their conscious awareness.

While widely recognized as a philosopher, Ellul's rigorous academic training was firmly rooted in sociology. He consistently approached the complex relationship between technology and human action from a distinctive dialectical viewpoint, often juxtaposing the 'necessity' or inherent pressures of technique with the imperative of human freedom and responsibility. His incisive writings frequently highlighted the insidious emergence of a technological tyranny over humanity, where the system of technique dictates human behavior and values. Furthermore, as both a philosopher and a lay theologian, Ellul delved deeply into the "religiosity" of the technological society, contending that technique itself assumes the role of a new sacred, demanding worship and conformity, thus subtly displacing traditional religious frameworks and offering a form of secular salvation.

Ellul's profound and often challenging insights continue to resonate, inspiring scholars globally. In 2000, the International Jacques Ellul Society was established by a dedicated group of his former students. This vibrant scholarly community, comprising experts from diverse academic disciplines, is committed to perpetuating Ellul's enduring legacy and fostering ongoing discussions about the contemporary relevance and far-reaching implications of his pioneering work in an increasingly technological and interconnected world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacques Ellul

• What were Jacques Ellul's primary fields of study?

  Jacques Ellul was primarily a philosopher, sociologist, and lay theologian, with professorial expertise in history and the sociology of institutions.

• What was the core of Jacques Ellul's philosophy concerning technology?

  Ellul's core philosophy focused on "technique"—the autonomous, pervasive drive for efficiency—and its potential to undermine human freedom and authentic faith. He did not seek to eliminate technology but to change humanity's perception of it from a controlling force to a mere tool.

• How did Jacques Ellul distinguish between "technology" and "technique"?

  For Ellul, "technology" refers to specific machines or tools, whereas "technique" is a broader concept encompassing the method, process, or pursuit of efficiency and rationalization applied to all human activities, including social organization and thought itself. He argued that it is technique, rather than technology alone, that poses the greater societal threat.

• Which books are considered Jacques Ellul's most influential?

  His most influential books are widely considered to be The Technological Society and Propaganda: The Formation of Men's Attitudes, both of which dissect the profound impacts of technique and mass communication on modern human existence.

• Is there an organization dedicated to preserving Jacques Ellul's work?

  Yes, the International Jacques Ellul Society was founded in 2000 by his former students and continues to promote the study and contemporary relevance of his extensive body of work.