Our Own Devices

Edward Tenner is author of Our Own Devices: The Future of Body Technology.

The human capacity to invent things is well established. The human need to adapt inventions for unintended consequences is less recognized, but just as ubiquitous. Author Edward Tenner has gained a reputation as "the philosopher of everyday things." In this conversation based on his latest book, he explains how imagination, culture, and necessity have changed the look and usage of items like chairs, helmets and footwear throughout human history.