The Perfection of Gestell and the Last God. Heidegger’s Criticism of Techno-Nihilism

Abstract

In this paper, I am going to focus on two aspects of Heidegger’s thought on the question of technology. (1) Heidegger’s reflection on the question of technology is constituted, at least partially, by his deconstruction of Ernst Jünger’s book The Worker during the 30s. Heidegger will develop three themes, related to his debate with E. Jünger, in his post-war works (especially in the conference of 1953 The Question concerning Technology). The themes concern: technology as machination (Machenschaft), animated by will to power; technology as truthful unconcealment, and finally, the equation technology = metaphysics. (2) Heidegger’s criticism of technology presupposes a “theological” component – which we shall highlight – without which the ultimate meaning of Heidegger’s criticism remains unintelligible. The overcoming of technology as overcoming of nihilism (metaphysics) is possible only thanks to the originary experience or wished arrival of a new god or gods (singular and plural). As for Heidegger, “Only a god can save us”. This means that only a god, and not a human being, can bring us to a new beginning and open up the post-metaphysical and post-technological era.