Articles

Self-Writing Machines: Technology and the Question of the Self

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Abstract

In order to show that technology mediates between man and machine, I will discuss in this text a literally other or alter-knowledge system that also heavily relied on self-writing machines: spiritualism. Contrary to scientific knowledge systems, in spiritualism the unforeseen, the singular, and the disturbance is what counts as, and produces, significance. That is the reason why alter-concepts such as spiritualism, esotericism, or occultism are not typically recognized as innovative agencies in the history of knowledge. Hence, what is needed to raise the question of a non-hegemonic knowledge production is a symmetrical approach in the history of technology.

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Keywords: Heidegger, technology, occult, media, history of science, history of technology, epistemology

How to Cite:

Kassung, C., (2015) “Self-Writing Machines: Technology and the Question of the Self”, communication +1 4(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.7275/R5CN71VS