Martin Heidegger | Question Concerning Technology (part 1) | Existentialist Philosophy & Literature

Get the Heidegger Basic Writings book - Support my work here - Philosophy tutorials - Take classes with me - In this lecture (part 1 of 2), I begin setting out some of the key movements and themes of Martin Heidegger’s seminal essay “The Question Concerning Technology“. He discusses the difference between technological apparatus and the essence of technology, and pushes past an admittedly “correct“ understanding of technology as a means and as human activity (the instrumental- anthropological interpretation), to press into metaphysics. Then Heidegger considers the nature of causality, starting out with the traditional schema of the four causes (material, formal, final, efficient), arguing that these are not sufficient for adequately understanding how all four causes are bound or brought together, and who brings them together in the process of making, the technical process of production. Heidegger then brings us into a discussion of “unconcealment“, in Greek, aletheia, which he interprets as a primal form of truth. All technology and every techne involves an unconcealment of being -- bringing-forth of what was not yet present into presence and appearance. So, technology -- in its essence -- is more than just a means or a human activity. It is a way of revealing. . . . . (part 2 picks up with this insight, and runs through the rest of the essay) If you’re unfamiliar with Heidegger’s conception of truth as aletheia or uncovering, you may find this lecture video useful: If you’d like to support my work producing videos like this, become a Patreon supporter! Here’s the link to find out more - including the rewards I offer backers: You can also make a direct contribution to help fund my ongoing educational projects, by clicking here: If you’re interested in philosophy tutorial sessions with me - especially on Heidegger’s thought and works - click here: You can find the copy of the text I am using for this video on Heidegger’s lecture “The Origin of the Work of Art in Martin Heidegger Basic Writings, available here - My videos are used by students, lifelong learners, other professors, and professionals to learn more about topics, texts, and thinkers in philosophy, religious studies, literature, social-political theory, critical thinking, and communications. These include college and university classes, British A-levels preparation, and Indian civil service (IAS) examination preparation #metaphysics #philosophy #Heidegger