But couldn't that lead to exactly the sort of arrogance that Maciej argues against? That engineers think their ability to solve tech-related problems means they are specially equipped to solve more complex problems in society?
For example, if some sociology major who had no programming experience tried to advise me on a challenge I have with some software I'm working on, based on something they read in Wired, I'm probably just going to roll my eyes. Frankly, it's pretty unlikely that someone who no background in the field I've dedicated my professional life to studying, can provide useful advice.
Likewise, do you think an engineer can provide useful advice on how to deal with poverty to a sociologist, one who has spent their career studying this issue? Do you really think the secret to improving society is to have a bunch of techies telling sociologists and economists how they think things should be run?
Maybe the right thing for techies is to pay their taxes, and participate in local elections as informed voters. Other than that, maybe we should stick to tech, and leave running society to the professionals.
And sure, a lot of the problems won't be easily solved by direct application of technology. But then again, not all should be. Isn't that one of Maciej's points? There are non-techies too, let them have some fun changing the world too. Let's each focus on helping in things we're good at.
Now don't get me wrong - I don't think the current computer industry is doing much to help anyone with anything. In this I agree with Maciej. But I think he extrapolates the industry problems too far. The issue isn't really with technology or smarts-driven approach, it's with the industry poisoned by short-term thinking, getting more ROI on bullshitting everyone and doing pointless make-believe work than on producing something useful.
Politics is how we resolve disagreements, which is hard to do. Maciej argues (rightly, IMO) that avoiding politics for technology is basically retreating from a set of hard problems into a set of easier problems.
> From this he draws the conclusion that techies - currently doing a great job of solving the problems within their domain - should bow down and submit to control by the politicians who failed to solve the local problems he cares about.
He's saying that techies should directly engage in politics to achieve positive outcomes locally, before believing that they can use technology alone to achieve positive outcomes globally.
He's saying that what techies consider to be "problems within their domain" is worth some introspection.