Criticisms of Romanticism and of the End-of-the-Machine Vision

In chapter 6 objections to these material romanticisms and to the narrative about romanticism and technology are constructed. First, drawing on classic anti-romantics, the argument is constructed that romanticism leads to escapism or what I call cyber narcissism. Then a position is elaborated that criticizes the current material romanticism for not being romantic enough, for failing to reach the romantic aims. It is argued that our hyper-romanticism in the form of Web 2.0 and its social media risks to destroy its very aims. It is concluded that, seen from these perspectives, material romanticism’s promise of a synthesis of enlightenment and romanticism is not kept and there is no “end of the machine” in sight. However, then it is argued that the criticisms discussed here may well be anti-romantic, but largely (but not completely and not always) remain within the “romantic order”. The chapter draws on Coyne’s reading of the phenomenological tradition in order to start exploring what a less dualistic and less romantic view would look like. The chapter ends with a summary of what we can nevertheless learn from the romantic tradition.

Romanticism with the Machine (2): Cyberromanticism, Uncanny Robots, Romantic Cyborgs, and Spooky Science

Chapter 5 continues constructing the “hybridity” and “fusion” narrative, but now focused on contemporary electronic ICTs. For the purpose of trying to understand the relation between romanticism and these ICTs, it constructs the working thesis that contemporary use and development of ICTs can meaningfully be interpreted as contributing to, if not completing, material romanticism’s project to marry Enlightenment and Romanticism: rather than creating new “machines”, there is an attempt to reach a synthesis of rationalism and romanticism by fusing humans and machines. The chapter reveals romanticism in the development and use of smartphones, social media, games, surveillance technology, algorithmic art, robots, transhumanist human enhancement, and other technological practices and phenomena. It is also shown how romanticism and even gothic is present in contemporary science and scientific-technological practice. It seems that with these new hybrids, technology and romanticism merge to an unprecedented extent.

Romanticism with the Machine (1): From Frankenstein’s Monster to Hippie Computing

In chapter 4 it is argued that already in historical times the romantic relation to technology cannot be reduced to mere opposition. It is shown how in the early nineteenth century romantics were not only fearful of, but also fascinated by the new science and technology. Drawing on Tresch (2012) and Holmes (2008) it is argued that there was a current in Romanticism which viewed science and the arts as entwined, and which tried to fuse the organic and the mechanic, life and science. These material romanticisms are neglected by philosophers of technology who reduce romanticism to escapism, nostalgia, or anti-machine thinking. This brings us to our age, with its life sciences and its robotics that share these deeply material-romantic aims. First it is shown how in the 20th century there was a romantic science (Freud) and how technology and romanticism became very much entangled: not only in science fiction but also in reality: born as hippie computing in the context of the 1960s and 1970s counter-culture, there is a development of what we may call romantic devices.

Introduction: The Question Concerning Technology and Romanticism

The introduction explains that the main argument and narrative of this book is that technology and romanticism are not in opposition to each other. The literature of the philosophy of technology lacks attention to the relationship between romanticism and technology; conversely, in related fields like cultural studies, sociology, and media studies, there is much literature about this relationship and its history. This book focuses on specific and contemporary technologies and critically examines its own arguments. The book also discusses how to move past romanticism, while acknowledging that the means of analysis are informed by Romanticism. It is comprised of three parts which discuss the traditional opposition between technology and romanticism, the complex relationship between them, and the ways to move beyond romantic and machine thinking.

Romanticism

In chapter 2 historical Romanticism is outlined as it emerged and thrived in Germany, Britain, and France around 1800 and as it reached deep into the nineteenth century. The works and lives of Rousseau, Novalis, Morris, and others are discussed for this purpose. Moreover, he social and political side of Romanticism (Ruskin, Morris, and Marx) and romantic Gothic are discussed. Historical Romanticism is then linked to romanticism more broadly defined. The author argues that in many ways romanticism still persists today and that there is a line to be drawn start from Rousseau in the late eighteenth century to twentieth century counterculture and beyond. Even in the early twenty-first century forms of subjectivity are very much shaped by Romanticism - mainly in the form of our heritage from 1960s and 1970s romantic counterculture.

Beyond Romanticism and beyond Modernity: Toward the (Real) End of the Machine?

Chapter 7 continues the project of trying to think beyond romanticism. First the previous chapters are concluded by analysing the meaning of “end” in the “end of the machine” thesis. Then it is asked how we can move beyond the assumptions made by the mentioned criticisms, which are still trapped in the romantic dialectic and in Platonic dualism. It is argued that in any case we should become more aware of, and acknowledge, the romantic horizon. The chapter explores some ways in which we could begin to take some distance from romanticism such as the notion of skilled engagement. The conclusion suggests that it is difficult to move beyond romanticism by means of language alone. Perhaps an exploration of a non-romantic and a non-romantic space also needs to involve exploring and experimenting with technologies. It is suggested that we try to invent and accompany the birth of the non-machine (for lack of a better word). The birth of non-machine thinking and non-machine culture would also require a different language, but such a different language can only come into being together with a different praxis and different technologies. Until then we remain romantic cyborgs.

Romanticism against the Machine?

Chapter 3 shows how romanticism (historical Romanticism and romanticism more broadly defined) is usually seen in opposition to technology: in the past, by many Romantics themselves, but also by later interpreters and critics – including philosophers of technology. Romanticism is usually seen as an attempt to escape the machine; it is the machine’s very antithesis. Even contemporary philosophers who claim to reject a romantic view of technology tend to presuppose the romantic dialectic. It turns out that the writings of Weber, Heidegger, and Benjamin are more ambiguous with regard to technology than usually supposed. This point is also supported by a discussion of the relation between romanticism and technology in an American context. Perhaps romanticism and technology are sometimes compatible.