Die „offenen Objekte“ und ihre Gesellschaft: Zur Kritik der technischen Verhältnisse

Abstract

The article discusses the analytical and normative foundations for the development of a critical theory of technology. To this end, some seminal historical and contemporary positions of this theoretical tradition shall be reconstructed. Special attention will be given to Gilbert Simondon’s philosophy of technology which allows for a critique of the genesis of technology by connecting the concept of technology with that of alienation in a specific way. Additionally, by tying the argument to recent public debates about planned obsolescence, the article highlights the everyday basis of the advocated critical point of view. Finally, with regard to some crucial questions of the sociology of technology, the empirical potentials of this critique of technological conditions shall be outlined.