STS

STSModule
MODULE2-A
5

I. Topic: Thinking Around Technology

II. Objectives
After reading and doing the tasks in this module, you should be able to
A. Describe technology in Heidegger’s framework: bringing forth, challenging forth, and
enframing
B. Analyze the impact of modern technology to society’s world view
C. Discuss the concepts of good life and flourishing
D. Propose ways how to live a good life amidst technological explosion

III. Introduction
So far we have traced the development of science and technology in the global
perspective across different eras. We have also looked into the development of science and
technology in the country. From these we have seen different dynamics and outcomes of the
interactions between and among science, technology and the different sectors of society. At this
point it is expected that you can make logical analysis of interactions in STS already. It is also
expected that you have an idea by now how to assess the social impact of science and
technology. In getting to the other thrust of STS which is technological assessment we go
through Heidegger’s philosophical framework of technology and Aristotle’s idea of a good life.

IV. Discussion
The other direction in the STS field of inquiry is technological assessment. The ultimate
question here is whether the technology is good or bad to the society. To Heidegger however,
the inquiry should start with this question,” What is society’s orientation to technology? “.
The Question Concerning Technology
Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) was a German philosopher. His thoughts about modern
technology were presented in his essay entitled “The Question Concerning Technology”. In the
essay, Heidegger’s arguments about technology revolved around revealing either bringing forth
or challenging forth, and enframing.
Heidegger argued that the essence of technology is not anything that is technological. He
offered an alternative view that technology is a mode of revealing. In reference to pre-modern
technology, he pointed out that old technology is getting something into existence. It is bringing
forth. It was implied that technology is a process of revealing something in harmony with nature.
The technology is defined by its very purpose and does not disrupt the nature’s processes. In his
essay he cited the making of a chalice by craftsman as an example. Out of a small amount of
silver, a craftsman brings forth a chalice. The chalice reveals the potential of the material which
is the silver and the expertise of the craftsman. The chalice is defined clearly in reference to its
purpose, a tool for religious activity. For Heidegger, modern technology is too revealing. It shows
something beyond its natural purpose. As he pointed out, when a dam is built in a river it loses its
natural meaning. It exposes the river as a source of energy rather than an aesthetic source of
inspiration. The dam doesn’t bring forth something from the river that preserves its essence of
being a river. What the dam makes is it “challenges” the river to be something else. It alters the
natural course of the river. So Heidegger believes that modern technology is challenging forth.
The modern technologies which started in the industrial revolution and the mass production of
goods are all challenging forth. They challenge the nature to its limits, disrupting natural processes
and ultimately destroying them.

Heidegger pointed out that the danger is not in the modern technology itself but on the
orientation of the people. He is referring to how people regard modern technology. He suspected
that people have embraced the essence of modern technology as challenging forth which leads
further to seeing things and people in the perspective of instrumentality. The ever growing
dependence of people on modern technology has diminished their ability to appreciate the
“goodness” of the world on its natural essence. For instance, men at a logging industry do not see
the trees as being “good” for its leaves’ refreshing green color, or for being the home of some
birds. They see the tree as being “good for” lumber. Seeing nature as a resource, or standing
reserve is enframing.

Heidegger warned that continuing the path of enframing will lead to a point where society
will also consider humans as a standing reserve. It will lead to a delusion that society, with their
modern science and technology has full control over nature. Enframing is the very threat to
humanity.

The Good Life and Human Flourishing

Majority of people nowadays are oblivious of the “challenging forth” process that bring
about modern devices, tools and other technological products. Being end users of modern
technological products, people can easily associate technology with comfort. When one is living
in comfort, the common notion is that he or she is living a good life. In short, most people think
that modern technology is instrumental to a good life. Is it really so? To Aristotle, the good life is
the attainment of Eudaimonia or happiness derived from living well and doing well. It is a virtuous
life anchored on moderation. In the perspective of a community, the good life is associated with
human flourishing. It is the collective attainment of aspirations of the people in the community.
This is only possible if every community member is pursuing the good life.

The pursuit of the good life is obviously the action that society needs to break Heidegger’s
enframing. This is not an easy quest though especially with society’s growing reliance on modern
technology. In many cases, modern technology actually enables us to make excesses.
Moderation in the use of technology is therefore another aspect of pursuing a good life.

For further learning:

Heidegger: The Question Concerning Technology

http://www.english.hawaii.edu/criticalink/heidegger/guide7.html

“Aristotle & Virtue Theory: Crash Course Philosophy #38”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrvtOWEXDIQ
V. Summary

Modern technology is challenging forth. It challenges nature to provide more which

ultimately leads to the destruction of environment. The threat to humanity however is not in
the modern technology itself but in enframing which normalizes excesses to the environment.
Making excesses in one’s personal life is also enabled by modern technology. Technological
assessment therefore should include the perspective of the good life, human flourishing and
enframing. .