The forgetting of aesthetics: individuation, technology, and aesthetics in the work of Bernard Stiegler

New Formations - ISSN 0950-2378
Volume 2012 Number 77

The forgetting of aesthetics: individuation, technology, and aesthetics in the work of Bernard Stiegler
Bram Ieven pages -

Abstract

This essay discusses the role of aesthetics in Bernard Stiegler’s work in its relation to individuation and technology. It argues that Stiegler understands aesthetics as the sensuous experience of space and time, which he sees as the ground for the individuation of individuals and groups. The article shows how Stiegler’s particular understanding of aesthetics is based in his reading of Immanuel Kant’s ‘transcendental aesthetics’ in the Critique of Pure Reason. However, by making this aesthetics dependent on technology Stiegler undermines the transcendental nature of Kant’s aesthetics. As a result, technology now intervenes directly into the organisation of our sensuous experience of space and time. This in turn has dire consequences for the process of individuation. This article discusses these consequences (aesthetic malaise, hyper-synchronization and a loss of individuation) and concludes by questioning Stiegler’s take on aesthetics.

SORRY - you are not registered as being permitted online access to the full text of this article

You have the following options:

  1. If you are viewing this via an institution or academic library you can ask that your institution takes out a Subscription to this journal.
  2. If you already have a Personal Subscription please login below


    Forgotten your username / password? Click here to locate

  3. Purchase an annual Personal Subscription
    PRINT + DIGITAL personal subscription (£45 / year)
    DIGITAL personal subscription (£30 / year)
    A Personal Subscription provides immediate access not only to the single article you are seeking, but also to all past and future articles in this journal up to the expiry of your annual (calendar year) subscription.
  4. Purchase immediate access to this single article (UK£7.00) - Buy article Coming Soon

To cite this article
Bram Ieven (2012) The forgetting of aesthetics: individuation, technology, and aesthetics in the work of Bernard Stiegler, New Formations, 2012(77), -

Share this