David Rothenberg Summary

1. David Rothenberg’s central thesis revolves around the concept that technology acts as an agent of human evolution, and is the extension of human presence in the world.
2. Rothenberg formulates his argument by qualifying the generally accepted beliefs about technology and nature as recognized by Heraclitus, Aristotle, and Plato. He contends that technology coincides with the human intent that originally prompted the action. The main argument presented focuses on the idea that there is a continuous and circular process between intention and realization. In other words, human intention leads to technological advancements in order to realize that intention, but the realization only suggests more attention to action. Therefore, technology does
David Rothenberg utilizes several examples, distinctions, and analogies to substantiate his claim. He creates the foundation of his argument with logos and examples determined by Heraclitus. Logos as defined by Heraclitus is, “the notion of order from which all Western attempts to claim systematic knowledge of anything are descended” (Rothenberg 369). The author further explains that a part of the logos becomes appreciable when we understand it enough to no longer fear it. Once mastered, a technique allows humanity to further conceptualize what it connotes about nature. Supplementary examples are included to establish this idea. Fire, water, and air are elements of the world that are indiscernible to humans, until they can be transformed into a tool. The ability to use a tool gives way to the comprehension of the mechanics of that tool, which consequently facilitates a space for better understanding of the universe. It is through this thought process that Rothenberg’s central thesis originates. He argues that it is challenging to isolate our explanation of the world from our ability to transform it. The physical process of alternating our world allows us to fathom vast and vaporous concepts through the form of analogies. Rothenberg includes several, including the bow and lyre analogy as presented by Heraclitus. This analogy suggests that there is a backward-turning connection between tools and the universe. Octavio Paz explains that the lyre “consecrates man and thus
The author does not exactly criticize rival positions, as it would be more appropriate to say that he modifies the positions of those in opposition. David Rothenberg constructs the foundation of his claim around the pre-existing ideas of Aristotle and Plato. He does not completely protest the ideas of these great philosophers, but rather he supports their ideas conditionally. Plato relied on knowledge of technology to suggest an equally normative knowledge of the Good, the Virtuous, or the Beautiful. He coveted and supported knowledge that devoted its attention to the precision of the fullest truth (Rothenberg 370). Aristotle contested this indefiniteness by stating what he saw as a simple and necessary truth: techne is a finite means, separated from the logos (Rothenberg 371). Aristotle sharply defined the separation between the act of creation and the reason behind it. Rothenberg fuses these two positions to formulate his thesis. He does so, because he finds that they both are deficient in explaining the overall purpose of technology. Rothenberg states that technology is never isolated from human objective. He furthers qualifies this claim by affirming that without human intent, technology ceases to exist. It is this interconnectedness between techne and logos that progresses humanity towards the greater truths of the universe. Although it is not the truth that explains the totality of the universe as Plato desired, Rothenberg argues that the knowledge we gain from