Presenting Author

Alan T Litchfield

Paper Type

Completed Research Paper

Abstract

Heidegger locates the essence of modern technology in The Question Concerning Technology as the impetus through which the real becomes the standing-reserve. In doing so, Heidegger highlights the purpose of technology as the bringing-forth of that which is concealed so that in its presencing, it is made available for ordering as standing-reserve. To define modern technology, Heidegger compares the handiwork of the artisan with the industrial processes obvious at the time of writing, which are largely those of the industrial complex of the twentieth century. We question whether this comparison holds true in the twenty-first century by applying Heidegger’s deliberations with modern technology as it is viewed now: service-oriented computing applications. We find that the essence of twenty-first century technology differs somewhat from Heidegger’s.

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What is the Essence of Twenty-first Century Technology? Heidegger’s Question Concerning Technology Revisited

Heidegger locates the essence of modern technology in The Question Concerning Technology as the impetus through which the real becomes the standing-reserve. In doing so, Heidegger highlights the purpose of technology as the bringing-forth of that which is concealed so that in its presencing, it is made available for ordering as standing-reserve. To define modern technology, Heidegger compares the handiwork of the artisan with the industrial processes obvious at the time of writing, which are largely those of the industrial complex of the twentieth century. We question whether this comparison holds true in the twenty-first century by applying Heidegger’s deliberations with modern technology as it is viewed now: service-oriented computing applications. We find that the essence of twenty-first century technology differs somewhat from Heidegger’s.