Technics and Time, 3

Synopsis

In the first two volumes of Technics and Time, Bernard Stiegler worked carefully through Heidegger's and Husserl's relationship to technics and technology. Here, in volume three, he turns his attention to the prolematic relationship to technics he finds in Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, particularly in the two versions of the Transcendental Deduction. Stiegler relates this problematic to the "cinematic nature" of time, which precedes cinema itself but reaches an apotheosis in it as the exteriorization process of schema, through tertiary retentions and their mechanisms. The book focuses on the relationship between these themes and the "culture industry"- as defined by Adorno and Horkheimer-that has supplanted the educational institutions on which genuine cultural participation depends. This displacement, Stiegler says, has produced a malaise from which current global culture suffers. The result is potentially catastrophic.

Summary

Chapter 1: Time and the Technical

This chapter explores the concept of time in relation to technological advancements. It argues that machines and technologies have profoundly transformed our experience and perception of time. For example, the invention of the clock has standardized and quantized time, leading to a shift from cyclical to linear notions of time.

Chapter 2: The Acceleration of Time

This chapter examines the phenomenon of time acceleration in the modern era. It discusses how technologies such as transportation, communication, and computation have enabled us to experience time at an increasingly rapid pace. One real-life example is the proliferation of instant messaging and social media, which has accelerated the flow of information and communication.

Chapter 3: Simultaneity and Dispersal

This chapter explores the impact of technology on our experience of space and time. It argues that technologies such as satellite communication and the internet have created a globalized network that collapses geographical distances and enables simultaneous experiences. For example, live streaming allows people from different parts of the world to witness events as they happen.

Chapter 4: The Cyclical Return of Time

This chapter examines the tension between the linear and cyclical conceptions of time in the digital age. It discusses how technologies such as archiving and virtualization allow us to revisit the past and create new temporalities. For example, digital archives preserve historical events and documents, making them accessible for future generations.

Chapter 5: The Politics of Time

This chapter explores the political implications of time acceleration and globalization. It argues that the uneven distribution of technologies and access to time can create social inequalities. For example, the digital divide can exclude certain populations from participating fully in the accelerated pace of modern life.

Chapter 6: The Aesthetics of Time

This chapter examines the ways in which technologies have shaped our artistic and cultural experiences of time. It discusses how film, photography, and music have manipulated time to create new aesthetic forms. For example, slow-motion photography allows us to observe events at a slower pace, while fast-motion photography condenses time into brief moments.

Chapter 7: The Tyranny of Time

This chapter explores the potential downsides of time acceleration. It argues that the constant pressure to keep up with the pace of technology can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy. For example, the constant flow of notifications on our smartphones can be overwhelming and distracting.

Chapter 8: The Promise of Time

This chapter concludes the book by offering a hopeful perspective on the relationship between technology and time. It argues that while technology can present challenges, it also holds the potential to liberate us from the constraints of time. For example, automation and artificial intelligence can free up time for more meaningful activities.