Saving Cities: A Taxonomy of Urban Technologies

This book makes the case that several urban technologies contribute to wicked problems such as climate change and vast social and economic inequalities. Such situations often create unfavorable conditions for mental life in cities. These conditions force us to expand the taxonomy of technology to include new designations: “wicked” and “saving” technologies. Epting holds that the latter can support worthwhile goals such as socially just urban sustainability. Along with fleshing out this view, he provides concrete examples of saving technologies, which include cohousing initiatives, ariel cable cars, participatory budgeting, and car-free zones/cities. Highlights a school of thought that wrestles with questions about living in a rapidly urbanizing world Reveals the urgent need for an ethical approach that focuses on urban affairs Shows how philosophical inquiries that pertain to urban centers have practical benefit