This is a reading group about The Infernal Machine, a true history (of barely a century ago) of when the new invention of dynamite met the then-emerging political philosophy of anarchism, leading convolutedly to the birth of both modern terrorism and modern criminology.
The Infernal Machine is the complex pre-history of our current moment, when decentralized anarchist networks have once again taken to the streets to protest law enforcement abuses, right-wing militia groups have attacked government buildings, and surveillance is almost ubiquitous.
The book is a fun read and provides a rich, real story that raises many themes of special interest to technologists and changemakers (or both):
Invention and unintended consequences
Centralization vs. decentralization
How technology reshapes society
Power struggles, movements, reactions
Interested? Read the book (or at least get the gist), and come join us for discussion and hangout Oct 20!
Agenda for Oct 20:
Welcome & recap of key points
Lightly-structured discussion
Author’s post introducing the book
Video of author introducing the book
The Digital Humanities Un-College (or the Un-College for short) is an initiative by digi-cnx and collaborators to offer curious popup villagers and Chiang Mai residents the chance to join or lead college-style learning activities on topics of their interest, under the broad umbrella of the ‘digital humanities’ (technology, society, history, innovation, the cosmo-local, policy, ethics, and more!). Follow us on Twitter/X for updates or subscribe to our newsletter.
The Un-College is open to anyone to submit and host a session. To learn more about designing a session visit our website
digi-cnx is a local Chiang Mai network committed to dialogue and research on how digital technologies are impacting both people and our planet.
