The Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Üsküdar University, organized a seminar titled “Contemporary Philosophical Approaches to Technology: From Heidegger to Virilio”. In the seminar, featuring Dr. Mantas Antanas Davidavičius as a speaker, contemporary technology discussions were addressed from a philosophical perspective through the thoughts of Heidegger and Virilio.
The seminar held in the Socrates Hall of E Block, South Campus, attracted great interest.
Technology is not just a tool, but a world of meaning
Speaking at the seminar, Dr. Mantas Antanas Davidavičius emphasized that technology is not merely composed of technical tools, but also shapes the way humans perceive and interact with the world. In this context, he stated that philosophical approaches to technology offer an important conceptual framework for understanding the modern human's life experience.
Modern technology can create a sense of ‘homelessness’ in the individual
In the first part of his speech, Davidavičius, addressing Heidegger's understanding of technology, stated that modern technology weakens the bond between humans and nature and their living space.
According to Heidegger, Davidavičius conveyed that this situation creates an existential sense of “homelessness” in individuals, and that the modern understanding of production, relying on mass production and standardization, can lead to the dehumanization of spaces and the superficiality of life experience. He also emphasized that Heidegger criticized the technological approach that views nature merely as a resource; instead, he advocated for a production understanding that is harmonious with nature, creative, and artistic.
Speed generates pressure and anxiety in modern life
In the continuation of the seminar, Paul Virilio’s thoughts on technology and speed were discussed. Davidavičius, referring to Virilio, stated that the most prominent feature of modern technology is its continuously increasing speed, and that this speed generates pressure, anxiety, and competition rather than facilitating life.
Dr. Mantas Antanas Davidavičius: “The time gained through technology is often allocated not for rest, but for more production. This increases the pressure to constantly keep up and not fall behind in modern life, bringing along anxiety and competition.”
The relationship established with technology should be reconsidered
Davidavičius, also touching upon Virilio's concept of “war logic”, stated that technological systems compel individuals to constantly adapt to novelty and consume. In this process, he said that technological developments erode not only material resources and the environment, but also accelerate and wear down the human experience.
Dr. Mantas Antanas Davidavičius also emphasized that rather than technology itself, the meanings attributed to it and its modes of use should be questioned. He also stated that both Heidegger and Virilio argued that it is not possible to completely abandon technology; however, a slower, more conscious, creative, and environmentally harmonious understanding of technology is necessary.
A philosophical perspective was offered to the participants
Within the scope of the seminar, participants had the opportunity to evaluate contemporary technology discussions within a philosophical depth.
The seminar also made a significant academic contribution by raising awareness not only about the functional, but also the existential and social consequences of modern technology.