Im-position: Heidegger’s analysis of the essence of modern technology
Files
Accepted manuscript
Date
2018
Authors
Dahlstrom, Daniel O.
Version
Accepted manuscript
Embargo Date
2020-03-04
OA Version
Citation
Daniel Dahlstrom. 2018. "Im-position: Heidegger’s analysis of the essence of modern technology." In: Heidegger on Technology. pp. 39-56. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315561226-3
Abstract
[Excerpt] "One of Heidegger’s initial moves in “The Question Concerning Technology” is to call attention to the difference between Technik and its essence. When we are looking for the essence of a tree, he notes, we are not looking for something that is itself a tree. So, too, the essence of Technik is “completely and utterly nothing Technisches.” Initially, Heidegger offers no argument for this claim (pragmatists might dispute it), but it has a certain prima facie plausibility. What a bit of know-how is—the essence of Technik as a technique or mechanical art—is arguably not itself necessarily a bit of know-how, any more than what technical equipment is—the essence of Technik as equipment—is itself a piece of equipment."