Tech Aristotle Stiegler

Summary

This lecture explores two theories of technology within the Western philosophical paradigm. The first, from Aristotle, distinguishes between natural and unnatural organizing principles, with technology (techne) requiring external mediation. The second, by Bernard Stiegler, views technology as co-emerging with humanity, suggesting that human existence is inherently prosthetic, extending beyond biological limitations through tools and language. Both theories emphasize the transformative role of technology in shaping human consciousness and evolution.

Takeaways

• 📚 Aristotle's theory of technology is rooted in his physics, where he distinguishes between natural (physis) and artificial (techne) organizing principles.
• 🌿 The natural principle (physis) is inherent in things, like the growth patterns in plants, which is encoded in their biological makeup.
• 🛠️ The artificial principle (techne) is external to the thing itself and requires a mediator, such as an architect or craftsman, to structure and organize the movement of the object.
• 🤔 Aristotle suggests that techne is derived from nature, either as a derivative of natural processes or as a form of imitation.
• 🧠 Techne is also seen as supplemental to nature, enhancing or making more efficient natural processes, like the practice of medicine supporting the body's healing process.
• 🔄 Stiegler's theory sees technology as an extension of human existence, arguing that humans and technology have co-evolved and are inseparable.
• ⏯️ Human life is described as 'prosthetic', meaning that our sphere of existence and action extends beyond our immediate biological capabilities.
• 🧬 Stiegler introduces the term 'epiphylogenetic' to describe the co-evolution of self-consciousness and technology, where human development is driven by non-biological means.
• 📝 Tertiary retention, or artificial memory, is a key concept in Stiegler's theory, highlighting how humans store and pass on experiences and knowledge through external objects like written language and tools.
• 🔧 Tools and technologies are seen as forms of memory and anticipation, allowing humans to plan and extend their actions into the future and space.

Q & A

What are the two theories of technology discussed in the script?

The two theories of technology discussed are Aristotle's view of technology as a principle that orders movement, either naturally (physis) or artificially (techne), and Bernard Stiegler's view of technology as human exteriors or exteriorization, where technology and humankind co-emerge.

What is the concept of 'form' in Aristotle's philosophy as explained in the script?

In Aristotle's philosophy, 'form' (eidos in Greek) refers to the organization of movement and the way it appears to us, including appearance and a collection of distinguishing characteristics that define what something is.

How is 'movement' defined by Aristotle in the context of the script?

For Aristotle, 'movement' (kinesis) is considered the existence of all things, where the type of movement something has indicates its nature, whether natural or unnatural.

What does 'arche' signify in Aristotle's theory as per the script?

In the script, 'arche' refers to an ordering principle that structures movement in a particular way to give a thing its form. It can be natural (phusis), which is innate, or artificial (techne), which requires mediation.

What is the role of the 'architecton' in Aristotle's view of technology?

The 'architecton' in Aristotle's view is the mediator for things that have a technical arche (techne). It is akin to an architect who has the plan and is responsible for the structuring and movement of a thing that comes from outside of it.

How does Stiegler's theory of technology as human exteriors relate to the evolution of humans?

Stiegler's theory suggests that technology and humankind have co-emerged, evolving together. Human existence is prosthetic, extending beyond the immediate biological sphere, both spatially and temporally.

What is meant by 'epigenesis' in the script?

Epigenesis refers to the process of development through internal differentiation, such as cell division and differentiation, leading to the formation of an organism from a fertilized egg.

What is 'epiphylogenesis' and how does it relate to technology according to Stiegler?

Epiphylogenesis is a term coined by Stiegler that combines epigenesis and phylogenesis. It is concerned with individuation within a species and refers to the co-evolution of self-consciousness and technology, where human life is pursued by non-biological means.

What are the three types of retention mentioned in Stiegler's theory?

The three types of retention are: primary retention (the flow of experience), secondary retention (stored memory in the central nervous system), and tertiary retention (artificial memory, such as written language or tools).

How does the use of Flint tools exemplify tertiary retention according to the script?

The use of Flint tools exemplifies tertiary retention as they allowed a form of anticipation and hunting that was not possible before, serving as a form of artificial memory that could be passed down through generations.

What is the significance of artificial memory in the development of human self-consciousness as discussed in the script?

Artificial memory, or tertiary retention, allows humans to store and pass on experiences externally, exceeding biological limitations. This externalization of memory supports the development of reflection and self-consciousness that characterize human awareness.