Bernard Stiegler, a French philosopher, may not be a household name, but his work is highly significant, especially when it comes to understanding our relationship with technology.
Source credit- 3ammagazine.com
His philosophy of technics—essentially the study of technology and its effects on human life—offers a deep, critical lens through which we can view the modern world. But what makes Stiegler’s perspective so vital, and how does it impact the way we think about technology today? Let’s dive in.
The Basic Premise- Technics as a Defining Feature of Humanity
Stiegler’s philosophy of technics begins with the idea that technology is not just a tool or an external force; it's a fundamental part of what makes us human. He argues that technics—technology and tools—are intertwined with human evolution from the very beginning.
Unlike other creatures, humans have always relied on external objects to extend their abilities. Think of the first stone tools, or even fire. These weren’t just inventions; they were integral to how we developed as a species.
According to Stiegler, technics is what differentiates humans from other animals. It’s not just about survival or convenience; it shapes our consciousness, our culture, and even our memory.
This idea is pretty radical because it shifts the focus from seeing technology as something we simply use to something that fundamentally shapes who we are.
Memory and Technics-The Role of Externalization
One of Stiegler’s key concepts is that of epiphylogenesis, a term he coined to describe how human memory and knowledge are passed down not just genetically but also through external objects.
In simpler terms, think of how books, computers, or even cave paintings store knowledge outside the human brain. This externalization of memory is what allows humans to accumulate knowledge across generations. It’s why we don’t have to rediscover fire every time we’re born.
But here’s the catch- Stiegler warns that this externalization comes with risks. As we rely more on technology to store our memories—think about how much we depend on our phones or the internet—there’s a danger that we might lose our capacity to remember and think critically.
It’s like outsourcing your brain. If you’re not careful, you could end up losing something vital about what it means to be human.
The Pharmacological Approach-Technology as Both Poison and Cure
One of the most intriguing aspects of Stiegler’s philosophy is his idea of technology as a pharmakon, a concept he borrows from ancient Greek philosophy.
A pharmakon is something that can be both a poison and a cure, depending on how it’s used. In the context of technics, this means that technology can either help us or harm us, depending on how we engage with it.
For example, the internet can be a tool for learning and connection, but it can also lead to distractions, misinformation, and even addiction. Social media can bring people together, but it can also foster isolation and anxiety.
Stiegler’s point is that we need to be mindful of how we use technology, recognizing its dual potential to either uplift or degrade human life.
The Crisis of Attention and the Need for a New Education
Stiegler was particularly concerned about what he called a crisis of attention in the digital age. With the constant barrage of notifications, ads, and endless content, our ability to focus and think deeply is under threat.
This isn’t just a personal issue; Stiegler saw it as a societal crisis. When people can’t concentrate, it’s not just their personal productivity that suffers—democracy itself can be at risk. After all, critical thinking and informed debate are cornerstones of a healthy society.
To counter this, Stiegler advocated for a new kind of education that would teach people how to manage their attention and use technology wisely. He believed that we need to develop a pharmacology of attention basically, a set of strategies and practices to help us navigate the digital world without losing our humanity.
This could involve everything from mindfulness practices to new approaches in schools that teach kids not just how to use technology, but how to critically engage with it.
The Political Dimension-Technics and the Future of Society
Stiegler didn’t just see technics as a personal or cultural issue; he believed it had profound political implications. In his view, the way we relate to technology is closely tied to issues of power and control.
For instance, who owns the technology we use? Who controls the data? Who decides what gets developed and what doesn’t? These are all questions with huge political consequences.
Stiegler was critical of what he saw as the dominance of big tech companies and the way they shape our lives, often without our consent. He argued that we need to rethink the relationship between technology and society, advocating for more democratic control over technological development.
In other words, we shouldn’t just passively accept the technology that’s handed to us; we should actively participate in shaping it in ways that serve the common good.
Stiegler’s Legacy-A Call to Reflect and Act
So, what’s the significance of Bernard Stiegler’s philosophy of technics? In a nutshell, it’s a call to wake up and take responsibility for how we interact with technology.
Stiegler’s work urges us to see technology not as a neutral tool but as something that deeply influences who we are and how we live. It’s a reminder that while technology can empower us, it can also diminish us if we’re not careful.
In today’s world, where technology is ever-present and ever-evolving, Stiegler’s insights are more relevant than ever. His philosophy challenges us to be more conscious of how we use technology and to take an active role in shaping its impact on our lives.
It’s not about rejecting technology but about engaging with it thoughtfully and critically. By doing so, we can ensure that technics remains a force for good, enhancing our humanity rather than eroding it.
Final Thoughts
Bernard Stiegler’s philosophy of technics offers a fresh and critical perspective on our relationship with technology. It’s a philosophy that asks us to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper implications of our technological choices.
In a world where technology is increasingly intertwined with every aspect of our lives, Stiegler’s ideas provide a valuable framework for thinking about the future. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a skeptic, Stiegler’s work invites you to reflect on the role of technics in your life—and in the broader society.
Edited by- Nyari Patel
Disclaimer - This article has been authored exclusively by the writer and is being presented on Eat My News, which serves as a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. As an entity, Eat My News cannot be held liable for the content or its accuracy. The views expressed in this article solely pertain to the author or writer. For further queries about the article or its content you can contact on this email address - nyariworks07@gmail.com
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