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Heidegger

Every time someone talk about new technologies, there are people arguing the similarities between the ancient and the new: for instance, people say that pencil and paper are technologies equivalents to digital-pen; the historical context is different and that's all. Even those who work with digital technologies frequently consider their own work basically similar to the analogical technology. At this point the question is not about the meaning of technology but rather about the meaning of the 'new'. On the other hand, I personally feel the importance to question the meaning and usage of 'technique' and 'technology'. This critical inquiry possibly evolves political issues fundamental for the future of humankind. To go further within, I believe that Heidegger's theory is essential to put the right questions. One may say that technology is the process of turning land into world and flesh into body. There are two Heidegger's essays (I am afraid I just have translations), which are conferences he made on the 60's on these issues. These are not easy readings and I guess if someone in the group could go further within the Heidegger's meaning of technology.

Tags: philosophy

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Permalink Reply by Linda Lewett on February 27, 2009 at 12:30am

Hi Daniel,

I found a great paper that you might appreciate by Richard Walton of Sheffield.
http://www.pantaneto.co.uk/issue23/walton.htm

i really should write a longer post but have so much editing to do now and then have to finish my paper for European Graduate School (EGS) before becoming a more active member. EGS was founded by Wolfgang Schirmacher who studied with Heidegger so i was drenched in the reading and thinking for a while. it is dense but so important for artists working in technology.

i think the essence of technology is techne which is the same as our own human essence. My technological process is to (try to) become one with my tools through muscle memory (including brain muscle) so that my imagination can merge with the technology. not sure this even makes sense but at least it's a start!
more soon - LL

Permalink Reply by Daniel Tercio on February 27, 2009 at 5:22pm

Hi Linda,

Thanks for the paper. I will read it with attention.
We probably have to go back to classical sources to discuss concepts such as techne, theoria, praxis and poiesis. Techne concerned not only the production of things but also evolved a certain kind of knowledge -- I like to think techne as an embodied knowledge. And this is probably similar to what you refer at the end of your post.

Permalink Reply by Aileen Mapes on April 18, 2009 at 6:44pm

Linda,
You make complete sense! Technology should be integrated with our muscle memory. To use the pencil example, heh, I don't need to tell myself to pick up the pencil to write, I just do.

Thank you for the article link, and unfortunately, I can't post too much now either. One month away from finishing Masters...I defend my document on Thursday.

Good luck to you, and I look forward to more conversations when the time allows it!

Permalink Reply by charlotte nichol on November 26, 2011 at 7:50pm