Summary of Grandi Sfide | Tecnologie e umanità (2) - Francesca Governa

The video features Francesca Governa discussing the complex relationship between technology and humanity, particularly through the lens of post-human perspectives. The session builds on concepts introduced in the first part of the lesson and focuses on two key authors: Donna Haraway and Bruno Latour.

Key Concepts and Product Features:

• Donna Haraway's Cyborg Manifesto
  • Haraway, a philosopher and biologist, explores the co-evolution of technology and humanity, particularly concerning gender identity.
  • The "cyborg" serves as a symbolic figure representing the hybridization of human and machine, challenging traditional dualisms between human/non-human and technological evolution.
  • Haraway's work emphasizes the political implications of post-humanism, questioning how technological advancements can both liberate and reinforce existing power structures, particularly in relation to gender and capitalism.
• Bruno Latour's Actor-Network Theory
  • Latour, a sociologist and philosopher, proposes that both human and non-human entities possess agency and are intertwined in complex networks.
  • His Actor-Network Theory suggests that we cannot separate technology from humanity; instead, they co-construct social realities.
  • Latour's perspective encourages studying both social and technological dimensions together, highlighting how they influence each other.
• Impact of Technology During Crisis
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the integration of technology into daily life, emphasizing the importance of digital tools in education, communication, and healthcare.
  • Governa discusses how this crisis has prompted a reevaluation of the relationship between technology and humanity, recognizing the need for a more nuanced understanding that transcends binary thinking.
• OECD Report Insights
  • The OECD's report emphasizes the role of technology in managing crises and suggests that these times can serve as opportunities for rethinking the relationship between technology and humanity.
  • Key areas of focus include the Internet of Things, robotics, and telemedicine, which illustrate how technology can enhance human well-being.

Conclusion:

Governa concludes by stressing the importance of understanding the intertwined nature of technology and humanity, especially in light of global challenges like the pandemic and climate change. The session encourages critical reflection on how these hybrid entities shape our lives and societal structures.

Main Speakers/Sources:

• Francesca Governa (Speaker)
• Donna Haraway (Philosopher, Author of "Cyborg Manifesto")
• Bruno Latour (Sociologist, Author of "Actor-Network Theory")
• OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development)

Notable Quotes

— 04:00 — « Perhaps Donna Haraway would say we are all a little more cyborg. »

— 05:50 — « Technology is us. »

— 05:55 — « Our societies are symbolically and materially defined by technologies. »

Category

Technology

Video