Spiritual Cybernetics:
Hyperreality, Accelerationism, and the Technics of the Spirit
Heidegger - Nick Land - Stiegler - Deleuze -McLuhan - Ernst Jünger
6 Weeks Masterclass - starts 23rd of July 2023
Course Summary
This Summer of 2023, prepare yourselves to study the philosophy of computers with Dr. Ryan Haecker (William Temple Foundation / American Academy in Rome).
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The digital revolution is undoubtedly the most disruptive technological change in the history of mankind. For we can now freely calculate and produce any conceivable mechanical operation in a lightspeed relay of power across the globe. It is because its ability to manipulate, control and distort is so complete, that digital technologies profoundly affect all aspects of human behaviour.
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‘Spiritual Cybernetics’ names the spiritual animation of computers and information systems, in which the ‘spirit’ of computers is the free ‘steering’ of human and more-than-human users, and such use is free insofar as it knows how to use its tools for its own ends. If we are to be masters of our machines, we must first understand the meaning of mechanics, cybernetics, and the philosophy of computers.
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For this purpose of showing how to emancipate human use from cybernetic slavery, this course will offer students a critical examination of the philosophy of computers and cybernetics, including reflections on technology in the writings of:
G.W.F. Hegel, Ernst Kapp, Martin Heidegger, Ernst Jünger, Jean Baudrillard, Marshall McLuhan, Gilles Deleuze, Nick Land, Mark Fisher, and Bernard Stiegler.
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Your Lecturer:
Dr. Ryan Haecker
Dr. Ryan Haecker is a theologian and philosopher affiliated with the William Temple Foundation. His research explores the intersections of ancient Platonism, medieval scholasticism, and modern idealism for modern theology. He received a PhD in Theology and Religious Studies from Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, Faculty of Divinity. He has previously studied history, philosophy, and theology at the University of Texas, the University of Würzburg, and the University of Nottingham. His research interests extend to Trinitarian Ontology, Philosophy of Logic, Platonism, Patristics, German Idealism, Systematic and Historical Theology. He is currently editing a two-volume collection, ‘New Trinitarian Ontologies’.