Thinking Through Technology by Carl Mitcham (p.49-55, 57-61)

Heidegger believes that modern science depicts the real world mathematically, which does not take into consideration the ‘earthiness’ that makes it natural. “Instead of describing technology as applied science, Heidegger suggests science is more accurately called theoretical technology,” Mitcham explains. It seems that Heidegger feels technology has a stronger link to reality than science itself, and that science is simply the understanding of how technology functions. He also sees technology as ‘a kind of truth or revealing’ and sets apart modern technology specifically as he feels it “sets up and challenges nature to yield a kind of energy that can be independently stored and transmitted.” The dissimilarity between a waterwheel or windmill and an electric powerplant that he describes perfectly demonstrates this. Traditional technology allowed for one form of energy to be transferred to another body unchanged. However, modern technology derives energy from nature and transforms it into other forms of energy that can be utilized or preserved. It appears as though modern technology has almost become a being of its own, yet this is not true as such technology does not serve any purpose if not for the decisions and desires of humans on how they are to be used. Mitcham points out that Heidegger may be of the belief that “the very fact that reality leaves itself open to technological manipulation to some extent calls forth such manipulation.” When nature presents an obstacle that could be overcome by technology, the curiosity and creativity in humans leads to the creation of such technology. In addition, Ellul argues that “capital is no longer the dominant force it was in the nineteenth century; instead, it is technology.” Modern technology has become such a huge part of our lives that the knowledge an individual possesses about the usage and working of technological devices can be used to determine their status within a specific community. Mitcham also mentions the phrase, “The solution to the problems of technology is not less but more technology.” For instance, the telephone was invented to allow instant long-distance communication. However, they were not portable. This was solved by the invention of mobile phones, not by ditching the telephone. It also shows that although technology can potentially have flaws, we must learn to find solutions and live in tandem rather than reject them.