The Techno-Apparatus of Bodily Production - A New Materialist Theory of Technology and the Body

Josef Barla suggests that the relationship between technology and the body is a relation of indeterminacy, where material bodies and their boundaries, properties, and meanings performatively materialize at sites where technological, biological, technoscientific, (bio-)political, and economic forces intra-act.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

What if the terms technology and the body did not refer to distinct phenomena interacting in one way or another? What if we understood their relationship as far more intimate – technologies as always already embodied,material bodies as always already technologized? What would it mean, then, to understand the relationship between technology and the body as a relation of indeterminacy? Expanding on the concept of the apparatus of bodily production in the work of Donna Haraway and Karen Barad,Josef Barla explores how material bodies along with their boundaries,properties,and meanings performatively materialize at sites where technological,biological,technoscientific,(bio-)political,and economic forces intra-act.

In his book "The Body as a Relation of Indeterminacy," Josef Barla argues that the relationship between technology and the body is not a simple one-way interaction but rather a complex and dynamic relationship that is shaped by a range of factors. Barla draws on the work of Donna Haraway and Karen Barad to develop his argument, which challenges the traditional view of technology as a separate entity that interacts with the body.

According to Barla, the body is not simply a passive object that is acted upon by technology but is rather an active participant in the process of technological production. Barla uses the term "apparatus of bodily production" to describe the ways in which material bodies are transformed into technological objects through a series of processes that involve the use of tools, machines, and other technologies.

One of the key aspects of Barla's argument is that the boundaries, properties, and meanings of material bodies are performatively materialized at sites where technological, biological, technoscientific, (bio-)political, and economic forces intra-act. This means that the body is not a fixed entity but is constantly changing and evolving in response to the various forces that it encounters.

Barla provides several examples of how this performative materialization of the body takes place. For example, he discusses the way in which the body is transformed into a technological object through the use of prosthetics. Prosthetics are devices that are designed to replace or enhance the functions of a body part, and they can be used to improve mobility, sensory perception, and other aspects of physical function. However, Barla argues that prosthetics also have a significant impact on the body's identity and sense of self.

Another example of performative materialization of the body is the use of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of DNA to create new organisms or to modify the genes of existing organisms. Barla argues that genetic engineering has the potential to transform the body in profound ways, but it also raises a number of ethical and social concerns.

In addition to these examples, Barla also discusses the way in which the body is transformed into a technological object through the use of surveillance technologies. Surveillance technologies include cameras, microphones, and other devices that are used to monitor and control the behavior of individuals. Barla argues that surveillance technologies have the potential to violate the privacy and autonomy of individuals, and they can also be used to control and manipulate public opinion.

Despite the many challenges that the relationship between technology and the body presents, Barla argues that there are also opportunities for positive change. For example, he suggests that the use of technology can be used to improve the health and well-being of individuals, and it can also be used to promote social justice and equality. However, Barla also argues that it is important to approach the use of technology with caution and to ensure that it is used in a way that is ethical and socially responsible.

In conclusion, Josef Barla's book "The Body as a Relation of Indeterminacy" challenges the traditional view of technology as a separate entity that interacts with the body. Barla argues that the relationship between technology and the body is a complex and dynamic relationship that is shaped by a range of factors, including the boundaries, properties, and meanings of material bodies. Barla provides several examples of how this performative materialization of the body takes place, and he suggests that there are also opportunities for positive change. However, he also argues that it is important to approach the use of technology with caution and to ensure that it is used in a way that is ethical and socially responsible.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 148 x 223 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837647440