Technocracy

Technocracy is a form of government or management where decision-makers are selected based on their expertise in a given area of responsibility, particularly with regard to scientific or technical knowledge. The concept of technocracy gained prominence in the early 20th century as a response to perceived inefficiencies and corruption in political systems. Technocrats, the advocates of technocracy, argue for the appointment of specialists—scientists, engineers, and technologists—who are highly skilled and knowledgeable in their fields, to manage or govern instead of elected representatives.

History

The term "technocracy" was derived from the Greek words tekhnē, meaning skill, and kratos, meaning power. It was first used widely in the 1919, when William Henry Smyth, an engineer from California, wrote an article advocating for "government by technicians". The idea was further developed during the Great Depression by the Technocracy Movement, which was founded by Howard Scott and M. King Hubbert. The movement proposed replacing politicians and businesspeople with scientists and engineers who had the technical expertise to manage the economy and solve social problems.

Principles

Technocracy centers on the belief that expert decision-making in fields such as economics, engineering, and science is more effective and rational than political or business decisions. Key principles include:

• Decision-making by experts: Only those who are educated and skilled in a relevant field are qualified to make decisions.
• Performance-based: Success is measured through performance rather than political favoritism.
• Rational and scientific approach: Policies and decisions should be based on scientific data and empirical evidence.

Criticism

Critics of technocracy argue that it undermines democracy and the political rights of individuals. Concerns include:

• Lack of accountability: Technocrats, not being elected, may not be accountable to the public.
• Potential for elitism: The system might favor those with access to education and technical training, leading to inequality.
• Overemphasis on efficiency: This might overlook moral and ethical considerations.

Technocracy in practice

Examples of technocratic governance have been seen in various countries, particularly during times of crisis. For instance, during economic or political turmoil, technocrats have been appointed to governmental positions to stabilize economies or streamline government operations. Countries like Italy and Greece have appointed technocrat-led governments temporarily to address specific national issues.

See also

• Meritocracy
• Plutocracy
• Oligarchy