About this Event
The Culture and Technology Book club brings readers together once a month to discuss new and classic books that raise important questions about the way technology transforms our cultural and political lives.
This month we'll be reading Martin Heidegger's "The Question Concerning Technology."
The Question Concerning Technology stands as a seminal essay within philosopher Martin Heidegger's ouvre. Written in 1954 and translated into English in 1977, the essay continues the exploration of a host of themes marked by what's sometimes called the "kehre" or reorienting away from the earlier and more anthropomorphic frame in Heidegger's thinking.
Heidegger's exploration of the essence of technology coincided with new levels of cultural awareness about the role of technology in human society as evinced by the emergence of science and technology studies departments in academia. While stylistically and substantively the essay can be challenging, it has evoked strong, both favourable and unfavourable responses as well as misunderstandings.
While aspects of its arguments have been caricatured, its more subtle intimations remain oblique and reward careful reading. In this Culture and Technology book club session we will follow a close reading of the essay, its thematic connections to Heidegger's broader thinking and wider philosophical currents, while connecting its insights to our current historical juncture and intervening technological changes since its publication. Does Heidegger have anything meaningful to say about our current moment?
Participants are strongly encouraged to read the entire essay in order to profit from participation. All are welcome.
When: Wednesday March 6, 2024 @ 7:00pm-8:00
Where: Toronto Reference Library, Founder's Room
Registration is encouraged. Drop-ins welcome.
Questions, concerns, or want to join the Culture and Technology book club mailing list? Email us at: [email protected]. For more information, contact the 4th floor Business, Science & Technology desk at 416-395-5613.
Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible, and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email [email protected].
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto, Canada