Martin Heidegger and ‘Transcendental’ Revealing with AI Technology

Authors: Gulnara Z. Karimova and Amir Shirkhanbeik

Heidegger’s understanding of the nature of technology, conceptualised in the essay “The Question Concerning Technology”, takes us beyond the painter-brush metaphor, where individuals view themselves as painters and AI generators as brushes – the traditional tool-user relationship. This metaphor, while useful, only scratches the surface of our complex interaction with AI. Heidegger argues that technology is not merely a collection of tools and devices, but rather a way of understanding and interacting with the world. Heidegger differentiates between various modes of “revealing” (Heidegger, 1977), notably the technological and the poietical. The technological mode of revealing, typically treats everything, including humans and tools, as a resource to be harnessed and exploited or a means to an end – a “standing reserve” (Bestand). In contrast, the poietical mode, which resembles art and creation, allows things to emerge in their own essence, a kind of revealing that respects and preserves the intrinsic nature of things.

In constructing a logical framework aligned with Heidegger’s philosophy, we observe a transition from the preindustrial era’s craftsmanship to the postindustrial technological landscape, culminating in the contemporary paradigm of ‘transcendental revealing’ with AI technology.

1. Preindustrial craftsmanship era: Tools as extensions of human agency

In the preindustrial era, the relationship between craftsmen and their tools was characterized by a profound connectedness. Tools were perceived not merely as instruments but as extensions of human agency and skill. This era was defined by a tangible, direct interaction with materials and tools, fostering a sense of relatedness and intimacy. Heidegger termed this as a ‘poietical’ form of revealing, where the tool and the material fused to bring forth something that was true to its nature.

2. Postindustrial technological era: The emergence of systematic processes

With the advent of the postindustrial era, there was a significant shift in the human-tool relationship. This period witnessed the emergence of various systematic frameworks and methodologies designed to optimize and manage complex industrial and technological processes (For example, ZAKMAN or TOGAF frameworks). This era marked a departure from the direct, intimate interaction of the preindustrial era to a more abstract, systematic engagement with technology. Tools and technologies were increasingly perceived as components within larger systems, losing the individualized essence they held in the craftsmanship era.

3. Contemporary paradigm: Transcendental revealing with AI technology

The current technological environment, particularly with the advent of AI, signifies a new paradigm – ‘transcendental revealing.’ In this paradigm, the relationship between humans and technology, especially AI, evolves into a collaborative co-creation. AI technology is no longer seen solely as a tool or system component but as an active participant in the processes. This transcends the traditional utilitarian view of technology, suggesting a deeper, more integrated form of interaction. AI’s ability to learn, adapt, and even exhibit decision-making capabilities based on algorithms and data redefines its role from a passive instrument to an active collaborator. This co-evolution of AI and human capabilities hints at a future where the boundaries between technology and human agency blur, leading to a transformative impact on creativity, knowledge, and societal structures.

In summary, this framework traces the evolution of the human-technology relationship from the tangible connectedness of preindustrial craftsmanship to the systematized approach of the postindustrial era, and finally to the collaborative and dynamic interaction of the contemporary ‘transcendental revealing’ stage with AI. This theoretical construct offers a comprehensive view of the changing dynamics between humans and technology.

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