The Politics of Digital Pharmacology: Exploring the Craft of Collective Care

Digitization is transforming our world economically, culturally, and psychologically, with new forms of communication, networking, and business opportunities, as well as new types of distraction, self-observation, and control. Felix Heidenreich, Florian Weber-Stein, and Bernard Stiegler propose to view these new forms as digital pharmaka, which can enable new self-relationships and forms of sociality, but can also lead to intoxication.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Digitization is revolutionizing our world in profound and multifaceted ways, impacting economics, culture, and psychology. The advent of new communication, networking, and business opportunities, coupled with the introduction of distractions, self-observation, and control, poses an epochal challenge to our societies. In line with Bernard Stiegler's concept of pharmacology, Felix Heidenreich and Florian Weber-Stein suggest viewing these emerging forms as digital pharmaka. Properly administered, they have the potential to foster new self-relationships and forms of sociality. However, overdosing can lead to intoxication.

In this essay, Felix Heidenreich, Florian Weber-Stein, and Bernard Stiegler delve into this complex transformation, exploring its implications and developing essential skills to navigate the digital realm. They examine how digitization is reshaping our relationships, communication, and productivity, while also raising concerns about privacy, addiction, and the erosion of human agency. Through their insightful analysis and engaging interview, they offer valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges posed by the digital age, equipping readers with the tools they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 135 x 223 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837662498