Form and Relation: Materialism on an Uncanny Stage

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Authors

This article seeks a materialism that is largely ignored in current philosophical discussion, which originates from speculation on the materiality of forms. Following the critique of Simondon and Heidegger, this article rejects hylomorphism which gives substantiality to forms rather than matter; at the same time, this proposition also wants to distinguish itself from the current proposals of a return to matter, such as the vibrant matter of Jane Bennett or the principle of factuality of Quentin Meillassoux, by outlining a genealogy of the material conditions for the individuation of forms. The article endeavours to understand the evolution of the concept of form in different stages of technological development: crafts, machines, technological systems exemplified by the web. The article suggests that the materiality of form is not only thinkable, but also necessary for the development of a speculative metaphysics and critical theory of machines.
Original languageEnglish
JournalIntellectica
Issue number61
Pages (from-to)105-121
Number of pages17
ISSN0769-4113
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.2014

Bibliographical note

Titel d. Heftes: Philosophy of the Web and Knowledge Engineering. Zugl. Nr. 2014/1

    Research areas

  • Digital media - Simondon, Heidegger, materialism, digital objects, forms

DOI