Computers
The author uses computers to represent the introduction of technological symbolically. Since the introduction of computers, most aspects of communication, art, and operations have been computerized to make work and life more comfortable. Computer technologies solve most problems in our societies. The author writes, "And it is fair to say that for the last forty years the "leading" sciences and technologies have had to do with language: phonology and theories of linguistics, problems of communication and cybernetics, modern theories of algebra and informatics, computers and their languages translation issues and the search for areas of compatibility among computer languages, problems of information storage and data banks, telematics and the perfection of intelligent terminals, paradoxology."
The Media and the transportation systems
The media and transportation systems are emblematically used to represent human circulation, circulation of sounds, and visual images. Media and transport systems are enhanced by advancements in technology and other aspects of knowledge in the postmodern society. The author writes, "It is reasonable to suppose that the proliferation of information-processing machines is having, and will continue to have, as much of an effect on the circulation of learning as did advancements in human circulation (transportation systems) and later, in the circulation of sounds and visual images (the media)."
The Symbol of Information
Information is used symbolically to represent power. Unlike in the earlier days when nations struggled to control territories, they are struggling to control the information these days. The competition for power and control is intense in postmodern society, and governments have found out that the best strategy is to control information. The author writes, "It is conceivable that the nation-states will one day fight for control of information, just as they battled in the past for control over territory, and afterward for control of access to and exploitation of raw materials and cheap labor."
The metaphor of the computerization of society
The author hints that postmodern society is over-reliant on technology in almost every aspect of life. Despite the author not being a critic of technology, the reader notes that a computerized society can face serious challenges. For instance, computerization implies that almost all operations are digital, limiting the number of people who can work in a particular place. Similarly, the privacy and security of data are at risk. The author focuses on highly developed societies raising the question of when the less developed countries will fully transition to computer literacy. The author says, "The scenario of the computerization of the most highly developed societies allows us to spotlight (though with the risk of excessive magnification) certain aspects of the transformation of knowledge and its effects on public power and civil institutions -effects it would be difficult to perceive from other points of view."
The symbol of knowledge
The author uses knowledge symbolically to mean the power of progress. The transfer of knowledge fuels every aspect of human progress, and most developed countries are becoming economically powerful because they have a knowledgeable workforce. Technological advancement in such countries is enabled by scientific knowledge. The author writes, "It is widely accepted that knowledge has become the principle force of production over the last few decades; this has already had a noticeable effect on the composition of the work force of the most highly developed countries and constitutes the major bottleneck for the developing countries."
