comparing martin heidegger’s and jalal āl-e-ahmad’s views on technology

The present study aimed to compare heidegger’s and āl-e-ahmad’s views on technology; first, the close relationship between subjectivism and modern technology was analyzed based on heidegger, and subsequently, it was pointed out that heidegger’s approach towards technology is a critical confrontation based on engagement/disengagement dialectics. then jalal āl-e-ahmad’s view on technology was analyzed, emphasizing that, unlike heidegger, with a philosophical, ontological, and anticipatory approach to modern technology, āl-e-ahmad took a selective and voluntarist approach towards modern technology by adopting a political and social stance. āl-e-ahmad, like promethean and leading intellectuals and reformers, believed that a westoxificated society is a society that has not yet achieved technology and is technologically dependent on the west. therefore, to deal with westoxification, it should become a technological power by adopting a will-based approach-- a machine must be built and owned; however, at the same time, one should not be got caught by the machine because it is a means and not a goal. unlike āl-e-ahmad, heidegger considered technology not a mere tool but a kind of ontology and way of thinking that affects all humans’ areas and affairs, so it is not easy to escape modern technology’s grip.

comparing martin heidegger’s and jalal āl-e-ahmad’s views on technology

the present study aimed to compare heidegger’s and āl-e-ahmad’s views on technology; first, the close relationship between subjectivism and modern technology was analyzed based on heidegger, and subsequently, it was pointed out that heidegger’s approach towards technology is a critical confrontation based on engagement/disengagement dialectics. then jalal āl-e-ahmad’s view on technology was analyzed, emphasizing that, unlike heidegger, with a philosophical, ontological, and anticipatory approach to modern technology, āl-e-ahmad took a selective and voluntarist approach towards modern technology by adopting a political and social stance. āl-e-ahmad, like promethean and leading intellectuals and reformers, believed that a westoxificated society is a society that has not yet achieved technology and is technologically dependent on the west. therefore, to deal with westoxification, it should become a technological power by adopting a will-based approach-- a machine must be built and owned; however, at the same time, one should not be got caught by the machine because it is a means and not a goal. unlike āl-e-ahmad, heidegger considered technology not a mere tool but a kind of ontology and way of thinking that affects all humans’ areas and affairs, so it is not easy to escape modern technology’s grip.