Indicators of Improving the Relation between Humans and Objects from Heidegger’s Ontology of Objects

Volume 21, Issue 137
November 2024
Pages 23-36

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. of Art Research, Faculty of Art, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Art, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: The rapid expansion of new technologies has an undeniable impact on human life, affecting the relationship between humans and their surrounding world. Evidence of this can be seen in the criticisms raised by various philosophers regarding the expansion of new technologies and their impact on human life. One of the leading critics in this field is Martin Heidegger, the famous 20th-century German philosopher. Heidegger explains in his critique of technology how the nature of technology has altered the relationship between modern humans and the world around them, casting a shadow of calculative thinking over reflective thinking in today’s world. However, he does not propose a clear way to escape this situation. Many philosophers, influenced by Heidegger, have offered solutions based on their areas of study.
Research objective: Therefore, this research aims to identify indicators for improving the relationship between humans and objects from the perspective of thinkers influenced by Heidegger. To achieve this goal, it synthesizes the results of the works of ten reputable philosophers and researchers in this field to identify and interpret the main themes of Heidegger’s ontology of objects. 
Research method: A qualitative meta-synthesis research method employs three stages: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. In this way, we synthesize previous research findings to reach a new interpretation in the field under study. 
Conclusion: The results of this research show that applying six indicators designing objects based on action, object durability, understanding the existential reality of objects, mutual learning between humans and objects, artistic reflection on objects, and focusing on communication networks can improve human-object relationships and moderate calculative thinking in design.

Keywords

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