Technical Change and Social Revolution

Abstract

The concept and the term “industrial revolution” are far from being universally accepted. Historians and economists with a conservative inclination tend to criticize them more or less severely. My general theses is that the “industrial revolution” has been, in the first place, a true revolution, that is an epoch making break with the past. In the second place, that such a break has not been so far fully analyzed in its impact on the global society. The “industrial revolution” has been undoubtedly explored and discussed especially by the economic historians in its social, economic, and political terms. This is necessary, but not sufficient. The critical examination of its broad culture and scientific impact is lagging behind. In particular, it has not been fully recognized that power and science, as a result of the industrial revolution, have changed their nature. The bases of legitimacy for power have shifted from traditional or democratic acceptance to rational accountability.