Gilbert Simondon - The Evolution of Technics/Technical Reality

Mar 30, 2025

The hosts delve into Gilbert Simondon's complex ideas on technical objects and their relationship with humans. They explore the intriguing dynamics of camouflage through examples from 'Dune' and consider how hyper-specialization in technology can lead to design challenges. The conversation touches on AI's rapid evolution versus true progress and the socio-cultural impact of energy systems. Philosophical insights on creativity and technological synergy elevate the discussion, intertwining nature and tech in transformative ways.

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INSIGHT

Simondon's Unique Approach

Gilbert Simondon's work bridges philosophy of science and engineering, offering a unique perspective on technical objects.
His concepts, like "associated milieu" and "concretization," influenced Deleuze and Guattari.

INSIGHT

Negativity as Transformation

Simondon views negativity not as progress, but as a driver of transformation in the technical world.
This "lack of individuation" pushes humans to find better technical solutions, impacting their relationship with technology.

INSIGHT

Ground and Repression

Simondon uses the concept of "ground" influenced by Gestalt psychology, similar to Freud's notion of repression.
"Ground" represents a background upon which figures emerge, influencing forms of psychic and technical life.

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On the Mode of Existence of Technical Objects

Gilbert Simondon

Encyclopédie

Denis Diderot

War and cinema

the logistics of perception

Paul Virilio

A Thousand Plateaus

Capitalism and Schizophrenia

Félix Guattari

Gilles Deleuze

A Thousand Plateaus is a key text in the 'Capitalism and Schizophrenia' series by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari. It advances a unique philosophical approach that draws from but critiques both Freudian and Marxist theories. The book is structured as a series of 'plateaus' that can be read in any order, each exploring different concepts such as rhizomes, stratification, and the distinction between smooth and striated space. It is essential reading for those interested in critical theory, feminism, literary theory, and contemporary Western culture.

Anti-Oedipus

Félix Guattari

Gilles Deleuze

In 'Anti-Oedipus,' Deleuze and Guattari critique the Freudian/Lacanian psychoanalytic model of the ego, particularly the Oedipus complex. They argue that human desire is not rooted in familial relationships but in broader socio-political contexts. The book introduces the concept of 'schizoanalysis,' a method aimed at freeing desire from capitalist and familial repression. It delves into the relationship between capitalism and schizophrenia, suggesting that capitalism exploits and commodifies desires rather than repressing them. The authors propose a radical analysis that synthesizes political economy and psychology, introducing concepts such as desiring-machines, deterritorialization, and the body-without-organs[1][3][4].

Dune

Frank Herbert

Dune, written by Frank Herbert, is set in a feudal interstellar society where noble houses control planetary fiefs. The story follows Paul Atreides, whose family is tasked with ruling the inhospitable desert planet Arrakis, the sole source of melange, a substance crucial for extending life and enhancing mental abilities. The novel delves into the intricate politics, religion, ecology, and technology of this futuristic world, as various factions vie for control of Arrakis and its valuable spice. Paul, with his unique abilities and training by the Bene Gesserit, becomes a key figure in this struggle and eventually assumes the role of a messianic leader among the native Fremen people[2][5][4].