The moral complexion of consumption

Vigorous consumption is the sign of a prosperous and confident society. Som e critics, however, find a high level of consumption morally objectionable. To see what is valid in these objections, one needs to understand the conn ection between consumption and the characteristic pattern of technology tha t is highlighted by the device paradigm and gives rise to paradigmatic cons umption. Such consumption induces disengagement from reality and a decline of excellence. The response to these debilities is to accept paradigmatic c onsumption in some areas of life and to make room for focal things and prac tices in others. Research is needed to determine the social reality, and to probe the common awareness, of paradigmatic consumption and focal practice s.