INFO

MODULE 2 | SECTION 1

TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING

MARTIN HEIDEGGEr (1889-1976)

• One of the most important philosophers of 1949 the 20th Century. • German Philosopher who was part of the continental tradition of philosophy. • His stern opposition to positivism and technological world domination required unequivocal support from leading postmodernists and post-structuralist of the time. • Heidegger's work on philosophy focused on Resume teaching. Ontology (the study of being) or dasei in German. • his philosophical works are often described a complicated, partly due to his use of complex compound German words such as Seinsvergessenheit (Forgetfulness of being), and Bodenständigkeit (Rooted-in-soil).

"The essence of technology is by No means anything technological"

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ESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGYESSENCE OF TECHNOLOGY

The essence of technology can be captured in its definition in his treatise, The Questions Concerning Technology, Martin Heidegger (1977) explains the two widely embraced definitions of technology: (1) instrumental and (2) anthropological.The essence of technology can be captured in its definition in his treatise, The Questions Concerning Technology, Martin Heidegger (1977) explains the two widely embraced definitions of technology: 1) instrumental and (2) anthropological.

instrumental

anthropolgical

Definition: Technology is a means to an end. • Technology is an instrumental aimed at getting things done.

Definition: Technology is a human activity. • The production or invention of technological equipment, tools and machines, the products and inventions, and the purpose and functions the serve are what define technology.

Instrumental and anthropological, are correct. However, neither touches the true essence of technology.instrumental and anthropological, are correct. However, neither touches the true essence of technology.

MODULE 2 | SECTION 1

TECHNOLOGY AS A WAY OF REVEALING

THE DANGERS OF TECHNOLOGY

The dangers of technology lie in how humams let themselves be consumed by it. PAUL COELHO a Brazilian novelist. who once remarked that it is boastful for humans to think that nature needs to be saved, whereas Mother Nature would remain even if humans cease to exist. The fear of disappearing from the Earth should concern people than the fear of the Earth d'sappearing. As mere tenants on Earth, people must not allow themselves to be consumed by technology. In this sense, humans humans are in danger of becoming merely part of the standing reserve or alternatively, may find themselves in nature.

Recognizing its dangers requires critical and reflective thinking on its use. However, the real threat of technology comes from its essence, not its activities or products. The correct response to the danger of technology is not simply dismissing technology altogether. Heidegger (1997) explained the essence of technology is by no means technological.

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ART AS SAVING POWER

In order to address the dangers of technology, necessary reflection upon and confrontation with technology are required. Frederich Hölderlin, a german poet quoted by Heidegger, said: "But where danger is, grows the saving power also" Heidegger saw art as a saving power and the way out of enframing, "And art was simply called techne. It was a single manifold revealing" By focusing on art, people are able to see more clearly how art is embedded in nature. Encourages people to think less from a calculative stand oint where nature is viewed as an ordered s stem.