A Reflection on Shaping the Virtual Space Based on Religious Values

Abstract

This paper initially examines theories proposed by Feenberg about technical systems and alternative modernity, analyzes his thoughts, and concludes that a framework of values needs to be provided in shaping technical systems. In a society like Iran, where policy makers are looking for the realization of Islamic values, this framework of values is derived from Islam. To explain the relationship between religion and technology, the concept of concretization has been used up, according to which, all aspects of civilization, including technical systems must be concretized based on Islamic values. Virtual space as a part of the technical systems must be concretized with a holistic approach, based on Islamic values, and for this purpose, there is no choice but a collective social life based on religious values. The concluding section of the paper also tries to deal with another significant issue which predicts the future of concretization at the level of civilizations which will be offered using the metaphor of the 'sand desert'.