Delving more into Martin Heidegger’s take on the difference in poiēsis and challenging in his 1954 work ‘The Question Concerning Technology”
SEPTEMBER 13 – Written by Ouli
Let’s dig deeper into this author’s presentation on the contrast between modern day technology and traditional technology. By traditional technology, Heidegger uses an example of a windmill to further explain to audiences his proposed take. He further expands on how technology has a form of “bringing-forth’ or rather, “poiēsis.” He also claims that modern day technology has a form of “challenging.” in the sense that it exploits nature in order to get to an end. The author makes his argument as he states:
“And yet the revealing that holds sway throughout modern technology does not unfold into a bringing-forth in the sense of poiesis. The revealing that rules in modern technology is a challenging [Herausfordern] which puts to nature the unreasonable demand that it supply energy that can be extracted and stored as such. But does this not hold true for the traditional windmill as well? No. Its sails do indeed turn in the wind; they are left entirely to the wind’s blowing. But the windmill does not unlock energy from the air currents in order to store it.” (Heidegger 14)
To further explain the distinction the author is trying to make in regards to poiesis and challenges with technology, one must first understand each term. Poiesis in the author’s work is a term in which he borrowed from the Ancient Greeks. It is the idea of something that was not existing before being revealed into the world naturally. Challenging on the other hand, is a form of exploiting the revealing nature of something when in the context of talking about modern technology.
It is important to recognize why Heidegger uses a windmill as an example of what one may call an traditional form of technology. The concept of a windmill is that it only works or rather reveals energy only when winds occur. A windmill in itself is of no use when nature is not in effect, nature dictates when or when it should not be revealing. Compare this to the use of hydroelectric dams as their form of revealing may be labeled exploitative. They are built in large bodies of water, forcing nature to operate with its power 24/7. They may cost a lot to build, disrupt ecosystems, but this form of “challenging” may not mean much as we humans prioritize the end modern day technology provides.
Author’s Note: Thank you for reading, I hope my transparency resonated with you!