The Question Concerning Technology, Martin Heidegger

...

of technology but rather as mutually related phenomena.

In the final part of his essay Heidegger criticized the actual relation of humanity with technology which leads him to the explanation of the biggest danger humanity will be facing if it continues in this kind of interaction. He explains the concept “Standing Reserve” which is closely tied with instrumentality. Heidegger explains the world in the eyes of humanity as a huge instrument in which nothing is good or seen as it is anymore or in essence but rather as an instrument to build something. The danger that such a view carries is that even humans can loose their essence and become instruments. Human activities are the force that start the whole technological process and in a way they can be seen as the original instrument to reach a mean. If technology keeps exhausting nature and only going after self interest humans can lead themselves to their own destruction.

Heidegger sees two possible outcomes derived of the actions that humanity can take regarding it’s relation with technology. Either it continues interacting in the same way which will lead to a final destruction or it changes the actual interaction. Only by stopping the instrumental view of the world and seeing it as it is humanity and technology can interact in a healthy way.

To do so he points out arts, which not only respect nature but try to find it’s essence. In a sense I very much agree with Heidegger. His point about the possibility of technology destroying the whole nature and humanity is today more true than ever with the existence of atomic bombs and new advances in military. However if under control technology can become the solution to the world’s biggest problems like hunger, sickness and inequality.