Explore
Instruction: Answer briefly and concisely
1. Who is Martin Heidegger? What are his views on technology? Explain briefly.
Some scholars consider Martin Heidegger to be the greatest philosopher of the twentieth
century. He was born in Messkirch, Germany, in 1889, and attended local schools before
considering a career as a priest. Instead, he pursued philosophical studies, notably at the
university in Freiburg, Germany, near his home. Martin Heidegger rejects the notion that
technology is essentially "a means to an end" or "a human activity."
2. How do you understand the following statements? Explain briefly.
 Technology is a means to an end
What I understand about this statement of Heidegger is that technology will not exist forever
and is bound to perish one day. The essence of technology lies in its purpose and to appreciate its
purpose or essence, we must first fathom what technology is.
 Technology is a way of revealing – a mode of “bringing forth”
What I take up from Heidegger's words is that whatever we experience, think about, or
engage with emerges from concealment into unconcealment. Technology exposes the world as
raw material, ready for manufacturing and manipulation that is reality. The purpose or essence of
technology is to build powerful inventions or tools that will transform the world into consumable
or usable resources. Thus, we must reveal what has been hidden so that we can find the
necessary materials needed for those creations.
 Technology is a form of poeisis
In my understanding, technology as a form of poeisis is a continuation of technology as a
way of revealing. When we already revealed the 'materials' that have been hidden, this is the time
when we are going to start creating or building something out of those materials. Technology as
a form of poeisis is the creation of something unique and not yet discovered or created.
 Technology is a way of revealing – a process of “enframing”
What I understand about this statement of Heidegger, is that he wants us to use technology to
turn nature into a resource that can be used properly. He views nature as a source that may be
preserved for later use.
Evaluate
Instruction: Answer accordingly
1. What are the dangers of modern technology? Explain.
Modern technology can be dangerous if used in the wrong way. It can lead to the possibility
of mental self-annihilation. Modern technology brought a lot of benefits for us but it also has its
cons. Humans became lazy, addicted, and abuses information for their benefit. We become
dependent to modern technology to the point that it feels like our lifeline. Our philosophical
reasoning would be slowly overtaken by utilitarian cognition, artistic originality would wane as a
result of endless innovation because of modern technology.
2. What is this data privacy scandal all about?
The theft of data from its users is the concept of the data privacy scandal. Private data
such as birthdates, phone numbers, email addresses, and complete names were among the data
stolen. The hackers then published the information online for everyone to see and exploit.
3. How are Facebook users “enframed” in this particular data privacy scandal?
Facebook users give their personal information to the management of social media
platforms. They were under the impression that this information would stay confidential and
would not be disclosed. A large number of Facebook users are affected by the problem because it
poses privacy risks for them since third-party companies had access to the users' personal
information, which they will for curating the kinds of advertisements that would display in the
users' news feed. Having another party/company knowing your private data alarms Facebook
users of the risk of having their data privacy invaded
4. How do you think Facebook can be used in a way that is more consistent with
Heidegger’s idea of poeisis or a bringing forth of technology?
Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, where we are not only
permitted but encouraged, to communicate with anyone. You can use Facebook to stay
connected with family, friends, and coworkers, as well as to meet new people. Facebook's main
advantage is that it is a real-time social networking platform. This makes it one of the most
reliable sources of current news and information. Major news frequently goes viral on Facebook,
and most companies utilize it to make big announcements about their products and services.