5.

3 The Essence of Technology

Martin Heidegger

Martin Heidegger, a German philosopher who lived from 1889 to 1976, is perhaps most known for his
work on phenomenology and existentialism, however this association should only be made with great
caution and prudence. On the evolution of modern European philosophy, his ideas have had a
fundamental impact. Several researchers claim him to be the greatest philosopher of the 20th century.
He was raised in Messkirch, Germany, attended schools in that area and briefly thought about becoming
a priest but he chose to pursue philosophical studies instead, notably at the University in Freiburg, close
to his hometown. In 1917, he wed Elfride Petri, and together they raised their two sons.

Enframing, refers to Heidegger's use of technology to effectively utilize nature as a resource. Heidegger
claims that modern technology allows us to isolate nature and treat it as a "standing reserve" that is, as
a resource to be saved for later use. Basically, Heidegger was saying that we could not ultimately
dissociate technology from human values in his capacity as a philosopher. The concept of technology
basically revolves around it.

5.4 Backtracking the Human Condition

Backtracking refers to going back in time or retracing one's steps. If we do this, we can accurately state
that there are many differences between the past and the subsequent histories that have occurred up to
this point. Everything was simple back then. People's life were only intended to ensure their survival.
But with time, everything changed. Only by measuring the level of comfort, various scientific
breakthroughs, and improved lifestyle of those with the means to do so has the human condition
improved. With the help of various machines, we can extend our lives by helping people with
disabilities, improving workplace productivity, and even looking beyond our solar system for new
planets where we can survive after the resources on Earth run out.

Aristotle’s Concept of Human Flourishing

The idea of a person's holistic enlightenment in his or her society is entertained by Aristotle's concept of
human flourishing. The idea of an individual's total societal enrichment is presented by Aristotle's
concept of human flourishing. As Heideggar explains, Aristotle's understanding of the four causes was
mechanical. The causa materialis, which translates to "the material, the matter from which," comes first.
The second factor is called the causa formalis, which is the shape or form that the material is introduced
into. The causa finalis is Latin for "the end." Last but not least, the causa efficiens brings out the effect
that has been completed.

References:

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/heidegger/

https://thegreatthinkers.org/heidegger/biography/

https://www.philosophyzer.com/aristotles-four-causes/