Facing the challenge
Mankind and technology are intricately interlaced; we simply cannot do without. Don’t want to do without, as a matter of fact. Nonetheless, our relationship to technology is laborious to say the least.
There is a tendency to think in terms of ‘good’ and ‘bad.’ How do we move beyond this stalemate?
If technology is the externalisation of being human — the computer as an external memory comes to mind, or Google Maps as the externalisation of our sense of direction — it is imperative that we consider our relationship to technology.
The challenge lies in countering rejection or misuse of technology by taking responsibility for said externalisation. How does technology affect the ways in which we imbue life with meaning? What does it mean for humans to always stand in relation to technology? And how does this shape quotidian reality?
Living with technology is akin to any type of relationship between living organisms (or an ecology of living organisms). Technology evolves, disseminates, competes and appropriates in order to improve itself. In his book, What Technology Wants, Kevin Kelly—writer and founder of tech-platform Wired— describes how the dynamics of technology function as an organism. He calls this ‘technium.’
What awaits us?
Key Note speaker of this evening will be Shad Raouf. Shad obtained his Master of Arts in philosophy at Radboud University Nijmegen in 2017. His dissertation was titled; The Challenge of Biotechnology: From Habermans to Stiegler.
During this meetup, Shad will give an introduction into the viewpoints of Stiegler concerning technology. Every medicine has its side-effects; as does the use of technology bear its own pros and cons. What are the sore points in our relationship to technology? And where might great opportunities loom? Can we exercise any control over the development of technology, or is our influence limited to how we wield it?
An evening with (again) a wide range of questions, to explore the implications of the technology of our time frame on humankind. For everyone who is interested in redefining and contemplating on what it means to be human.
Do you have any questions regarding the meeting? Or would you like to suggest a topic that can be discussed among experts? Get in touch. We appreciate all contributions.
Practical information:
The location will be at Expoplu Nijmegen
Initially the discussion will be in English
Tickets can be bought here : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/technology-human-beings-tickets-49847474137
Doors open at 19:15. Start programme 19:30 till 21:30.