Philosophy
This week the philosophy of educational technology is digging deeply into Martin Heidegger’s article “The Question Concerning Technology”. One of the focus questions was “How do we relate to technology?”.
In order to answer this question, we need to understand the word ‘relate’. When we first think of relationship we think in human terms – one person to another, in mutual and reciprocal ways. But in digging deeper into this word, it brings forth many other forms of being in relationship: subjugation, formal contract, affiliation, membership, friendship, assimilation, acquaintance, dependance. The one common element in all of these forms of relationship is the sense of an emotional connection, either good or bad, positive or negative. In terms of our relationship with technology, each one of these forms of relating can be seen in the way an individual uses any form of technology. For example, we could see our dependance on cell phones as becoming a relationship of subjugation. We are in relationship with technology through our membership in an online course.
Heidegger refers to technology being a means to an end and as a human activity. “This much remains correct: modern technology too is a means to an end.” He also states “The will to mastery becomes all the more urgent the more technology threatens to slip from human control.” This makes me think that the relationship is one of subjugation and dominance rather than one of reciprocity and mutual dependance.
He later also states “Everything depends on our manipulating technology in the proper manner as a means.” This makes me think of relating to technology as one would an unmannerly child… with firm hand and stern voice. Let’s keep that technology in line or it will get out of control. (Think of a classroom full of 13 year olds!)
Yet, further into Heidegger’s article, he talks about techne belonging to the ‘bursting forth’ and that it is grounded in revealing. This ‘brings forth’ a more mutual sense of relationship. It is one of reciprocity. We are revealing ourselves through our use of technology and technology is revealed in our use. We are changed by our use of technology and technology is changed by our use. Just think of our own personal change and revealing that has occurred over the previous few weeks as evidence of that reciprocity!
So, in conclusion our relationship with technology is how we choose it to be… one of a means to an end, one of subjugation, one of assimilation, or one of mutual interdependence. Love it or hate it… there is always an emotional connection when there is relationship.
Reference: Heidegger, M. (1953/1977). The question concerning technology. In M. Heidegger, The question concerning technology and other essays (trans. W. Lovitt) (pp. 3-35). New York: Harper & Row.