A Reflection on Shaping the Virtual Space Based on Religious Values

Abstract

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