Existential Technics (Philosophy

by Don Ihde

With Existential Technics , Don Ihde advances his reflections on the role technology plays in human life. Heretofore primarily the province of Continental thinkers, philosophy of technology is a growing preoccupation of North American philosophers. This collection of essays is a philosophical reflection on and critique of human experience from a clearly American perspective guided by phenomenological analysis.

This book is divided into three parts. The first, technics, deals with human interaction with technology and its existential effects. The remaining sections on perception and interpretation examine the imaginative use of phenomenology in the visual and auditory realms of art, music, and intercultural perceptions, and are followed by discussions of contemporary hermeneutics and deconstruction theory, particularly in the thought of Heidegger and Derrida.

Genres: Philosophy, Technology

190 pages, Paperback

Published June 30, 1983

About the author

Don Ihde is an American philosopher of science and technology. In 1979 he wrote what is often identified as the first North American work on philosophy of technology, Technics and Praxis. Before his retirement, Don Ihde was Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

Reviews

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ihde is one of my favorite philosophers to read because of his tendency to use real, relatable examples and clear language to explain his ideas. This is very true in the first two parts of this book, where Ihde is examining specific technologies and related phenomenological ideas in often familiar language. What is really impressive is how the last section of the book really shows off Ihde's brilliance as he takes on major issues of Heidegger, Derrida, hermeneutics, and even rhetoric. These essays were a little over my head, but were nonetheless intriguing and engaging. Phenomenology is not for everyone, nor is this kind of reading--but if it's up your alley at all, this is a worthwhile volume to have.