"On the nature and relevance Martin Heidegger’s critique of the essence of technology"

by Sasa, Michael Sunday (2020)

Abstract

This paper reflects on Heidegger’s idea of the essence of technology and its implication on modernity. Although, technology has its therapeutic functions it is nonetheless haunted by enthralling repercussions. Like the World War era, the society today is not spared of this domination. Modern technology, despite its advances, remains a means to an end, and can be both good and bad depending upon the purpose it is deployed. One disturbing reality about technology is its overwhelming dominance over humanity. To a greater extent, one wonders who controls who between technology and humanity. A reflection on modem technology is, by necessity, concerned with establishing how new technologies should be employed and which new possibilities to pursue. Many philosophers over time have questioned the overpowering consequences of science and technology as evident in torrents of literatures on the subject matter. However, their accounts fail in addressing the question of the essence of technology itself. In this paper therefore, Heidegger takes a phenomenological approach in articulating the essence of technology, its correct meaning and how humans relate with it. Heidegger also expressed his suspicion on the danger of technology while cautioning against its impact on account of human hostility and environmental distortion. He taught that the essence of technology is revealing or unconcealment of being. The paper found out that Heidegger recommends turning as solution to the danger of modern technology and hence, concludes that Heidegger’s reflections on technology are not only insightful but revealing of the ills that come with technology.

Keywords

Technology, Ontology, Enframing, Being, Turning, Heidegger, Technology, Environmentalism

Themes

Technology, On Heidegger

Links to Reference

• https://acjol.org/index.php/ajap/article/view/577
• https://acjol.org/index.php/ajap/article/download/577/580

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