This chapter goes back to the beginning of the machine concept, or more precisely: it makes clear that the Greek deus ex machina is based on an even older understanding of the machine, deeply interwoven with magical ideas.

Could it be in the stage production of the godhead that the numinous passes over to the Machine? And the other way around: Is it possible that the godhead originates from the Machine? But then the godhead would be a product of the Machine. Basically, both are absurdities: the deified Machine, the reified god.

To listen to the previous chapters:

Philosophy of the Machine 1

Philosophy of the Machine 2

From: The Philosophy of the Machine (Translated by Hopkins Stanley & Martin Burckhardt - to be published)

Here’s the link to the German edition:

Get full access to Ex nihilo - Martin Burckhardt at martinburckhardt.substack.com/subscribe

Philosophy of the Machine 3