Catherine Jane A.

Lapuz
FM 1-B

1. It was said that technological advances have provided immense improvements in our
lives, but often with hidden cost. How does Heidegger’s arguments relate to this?

Hedger claimed three things: (1) technology is “not an instrument”, it is a way of

understanding the world; (2) technology is “not a human activity”, but develops beyond
human control; and (3) technology is “the highest danger”, risking us to only see the
world through technological thinking.

This claim can be summarized in a simple sentence, it’s that there are downsides
on things, even on the ones which help us progress. Technological advancement sure
helps us improve our daily lives, however, it’s side effect cannot be disregarded. Because
of technology, we may see that the world has changed from its natural state to a more
modernized one. I’m not saying that modernization is a bad thing, however, it has its
costs.

One concrete example I can present is a car. When cars were first invented,
people went crazy for it. The concept of having a personal space where in they can go to
different location hundred miles away in the comfort of their personal space, people went
gaga for it. However, now, we can see some of it’s hidden “costs” which was unseen
during its invention. It’s effects on our environment, no matter how efficient and practical
it’s use is, cannot be disregarded.

2. Technology as a way of revealing has something to do with the concept of unlocking and
stocking. How is this so?

Technology can “unlock” countless of opportunities which will help us improve

our way living, and improve our understanding towards the world we live in. As how
Heidegger said it, the world will not reveal its secrets unless it is delved upon. For the
present time, technology presents us ways in which we can unlock and expose the hidden
wonders technology can offer us. In the first place, it was our technological way of
thinking that helped us “unlock” and understand the way nature is now.

3. How can you as a student help spread awareness about the dangers of technology in such
a way that technology is not condemned in the process?

I can help spread awareness by stating and briefly explaining its pros and cons.
You can tell and address the dangers it could bring specifically to the youth but you can
also state what makes it a necessity especially with today's mode of living. Like what I
have said on the first question, “there are downsides on things, even on the ones which
help us progress.” I believe we just have to be wary on the way we use technology. It’s
the same with our everyday lives, no matter how efficient we are when using things, we
still have to be careful.

Let’s say we’re cooking. When cooking, we have to first open our gas tank, then
our stove. No matter how many times we do this, we still clear the area every time we try
to cook, we still check our surroundings in case there is something flammable nearby, we
also check from time to time whether the gas tank is safe to use.

What I am trying to point out is, in everything that we do, there are always
danger. It’s just up to us on how we should approach it in the safest way we know.