Gilbert Simondon : causality, ontogenesis & technology
This PhD thesis focuses on the elucidation, development and application of Gilbert Simondon's realist philosophy of individuation. In particular the thesis has three main goals: First, to provide a developed account of Simondon's ontology. Second, to develop a coherent account of causality in line with Simondon's theorization of individuation. Third, to give a full account of Simondon's philosophy of technology and evaluate its relevance for the contemporary technological state of affairs. To answer the third of these questions it is necessary to address the others. A realist, non-anthropological account of technology necessarily requires the development of a robust ontology and a suitable theorization of causality. In this thesis this is achieved by developing the key concepts involved in Simondon's theory of individuation such as transduction, metastability and pre-individuality. Before developing an account of transductive operation in the three regimes of individuation which Simondon stipulates (physical, vital and psycho-social) we argue for Simondon's account of allagmatics (theory of operations) as consistent with and in some ways superior to some contemporary powers based theories of causality. Having
Mills, Simon
simondon ; individuation ; technology ; causality ; Stiegler ; Latour ; philosophy of technology
Gilbert Simondon : causality, ontogenesis & technology. This PhD thesis focuses on the elucidation, development and application of Gilbert Simondon's realist philosophy of individuation. In particular the thesis has three main goals: First, to provide a developed account of Simondon's ontology. Second, to develop a coherent account of causality in line with Simondon's theorization of individuation. Third, to give a full account of Simondon's philosophy of technology and evaluate its relevance for the contemporary technological state of affairs. To answer the third of these questions it is necessary to address the others. A realist, non-anthropological account of technology necessarily requires the development of a robust ontology and a suitable theorization of causality. In this thesis this is achieved by developing the key concepts involved in Simondon's theory of individuation such as transduction, metastability and pre-individuality. Before developing an account of transductive operation in the three regimes of individuation which Simondon stipulates (physical, vital and psycho-social) we argue for Simondon's account of allagmatics (theory of operations) as consistent with and in some ways superior to some contemporary powers based theories of causality. Having
causality ontogenesis technology phd focus elucidation development_application realist philosophy individuation particular three_main goal first provide develop_account ontology second develop coherent_account causality line theorization individuation third give_full account philosophy technology evaluate relevance_contemporary technological state_affair answer third question necessary address others realist non anthropological account technology necessarily require development robust ontology suitable theorization causality achieve develop key_concept involve theory individuation pre individuality develop_account operation regime individuation physical vital psycho social argue account theory operation consistent way superior contemporary power base theory causality