Acts of Use from Gestell to Gelassenheit: Calculative Thinking and Exploratory Doing

Giovanni Marmont

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceeding with ISSN or ISBNConference contribution with ISSN or ISBNpeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper addresses the implications of open–ended instances of use and non–instrumental person–thing interactions. Central to the argument is an analysis of Heideggerian work on technology and particularly of the notions of Gestell [enframing] and Gelassenheit [releasement]. These name respectively modern technology’s inherent danger – a totalising ‘unconcealment’ of the world as mere resources to be exploited – and a possible gateway from it – in the form of an open mode of thinking, void of calculative demands towards what is encountered. Suggesting that a possible transition from Gestell to Gelassenheit needs not be intended as an exclusively metaphysical shift, as some have argued, it will then be considered how a different way of thinking could be prepared and assisted by a different way of acting, of doing. Such radical modification would crucially require questioning the very notion of use and its hazy relation to functionality. The paper ultimately makes a case for modes of interacting with artefacts through acts of use as ends in themselves, transcending teleological explanations and not exhausted in utilitarian functionalism. It is proposed that a possible prototype for this type of inherently ludic exploratory doing might be found in the activities of French revolutionary group Situationist International.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSociotechnical Environments
    Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 6th STS Italia Conference
    EditorsStefano Crabu, Paolo Giardullo, Francesco Miele, Mauro Turrini
    PublisherSTS Italia Publishing
    Pages743-754
    ISBN (Electronic)9788894062519
    Publication statusPublished - Nov 2017
    Event6th STS Italia Conference
    : Sociotechnical Environments
    - Trento, Italy
    Duration: 24 Nov 201626 Nov 2016

    Conference

    Conference6th STS Italia Conference
    Country/TerritoryItaly
    CityTrento
    Period24/11/1626/11/16

    Bibliographical note

    This publication is licensed under the CreativeCommons: Attribution,
    Noncommercial, No Derivative Works – 2.5 Italian License (CC BY–
    NC–ND 2.5 IT).

    Keywords

    • Use
    • Gestell
    • Gelassenheit
    • Open-ended
    • Situationist International
    • Heidegger
    • Agamben

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