Secularism and the Problem of the Sacred in the History of Technology
A presentation by Enrico Beltramini
Despite the growing scholarly work at the intersection of religion and technology, how to characterize their relationship remains a matter of dispute for historians of technology. Some have argued that the problem arises arises from using poor terminology, and from giving primacy to technological knowledge over religious knowledge. Enrico Beltramini takes a different view. He argues instead that the cause of this dispute stems from competing ideas about our basic understanding of the universe. The history of technology is founded on a secular understanding, while religion wants to sustain a post-secular worldview that protects the sense of the sacred. Enrico argues that the harmonization of religion and history of technology requires a reconsideration of the theoretical apparatus that governs the religion-secular divide.
Enrico’s presentation was based on his essay “When Religion Meets History of Technology. Secularism and the Problem of the Sacred,” History and Technology , Vol. 39, Issue 3-4 (2024), 316-327. This essay is a response to an essay by Jennifer Karns Alexander in an earlier issue.
After a full academic career, first in Italy and later in California, Enrico accepted early retirement from teaching during the COVID pandemic while at Notre Dame de Namur University. He now maintains an academic affiliation with the university, dedicating himself to research, writing, and active participation in scholarly conferences.
