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This philosophical text examines the concept of "thingness" by contrasting the modern experience of shrinking distances, enabled by technology, with the essential nature of things. The author argues that modern technology fosters a "distancelessness" that prevents true nearness, focusing on the example of a jug to illustrate how the thing's essence lies not in its materiality or scientific representation but in its function and the interconnectedness of earth, sky, divinities, and mortals. Ultimately, the text proposes a new understanding of "thingness" grounded in the "thinging" of the thing—its participation in a world where nearness is not merely physical proximity but a meaningful connection to this fourfold reality.
Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.
Heidegger, M. (2001). Poetry language thought. Harper and Row., M. (2001). Poetry language thought. Harper and Row. (pp. 163-180)
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This thesis examines the material and political conditions of undocumentedness, focusing on how design practices shape and are shaped by the experiences of undocumented migrants. The author analyzes three regimes of practice—passporting, camp-making, and border-working—exploring how passports, camps, and borders function as material articulations of power. Through case studies and design interventions, the research critiques existing design approaches (interaction, critical, participatory, and humanitarian design) while proposing "design-politics" as a framework for understanding the political agency of design. The author utilizes personal accounts and theoretical analysis to expose the complexities of mobility, illegality, and the ethics of research involving vulnerable populations. Ultimately, the work advocates for counter-practices that challenge established power structures and offer alternative possibilities for those marginalized by border regimes.
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Keshavarz, Mahmoud. Design-Politics An Inquiry into Passports, Camps and Borders. University of Malmö Press, 2016.
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Madina Tlostanova's article examines the challenges faced by post-Soviet social sciences within a globally dominant, Western-centric system of knowledge production. It argues that post-Soviet scholars are often marginalized due to a complex interplay of factors, including the "coloniality of knowledge," "external imperial difference," and "double colonial difference." Tlostanova analyzes how these factors manifest in disciplinary practices, knowledge distribution, and the geopolitical positioning of post-Soviet thinkers. The article explores potential avenues for overcoming this epistemic marginalization, including transdisciplinarity and a critical self-reflection on the legacies of colonialism and imperialism. Ultimately, it questions whether post-Soviet thought can truly be independent within the existing global framework.
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Tlostanova, M. (2015). Can the post-Soviet think? On coloniality of knowledge, external imperial and double colonial difference. Intersections, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.17356/ieejsp.v1i2.38
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This academic paper explores the ethical considerations in design research, particularly within rehabilitation engineering. It argues for a situated ethics approach, emphasizing contextual understanding and user involvement throughout the design process. The authors utilize case studies to illustrate how ethical design can lead to increased innovation and improved quality of life, particularly for people with disabilities. They critique existing ethical guidelines as insufficient for this field and propose a framework incorporating both situated ethics and broader ethical principles. The paper also examines various research methodologies, advocating for a blend of action research, phenomenology, and grounded theory.
Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.
Jönsson, B., Anderberg, P., Flodin, E., Malmborg, L., Nordgren, C., & Svensk, A. (2005). Ethics in the Making. Design Philosophy Papers, 3(4), 213–226. https://doi.org/10.2752/144871305X13966254124914
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This excerpt from François Jullien's The Propensity of Things explores Chinese aesthetics, particularly the concept of shi. Shi, not understood as mere mimesis, but rather as the inherent dynamism and potential within a configuration—whether in calligraphy, painting, or literature—is central. The text analyzes how shi is achieved through the interplay of contrasting elements creating tension and ultimately resulting in a powerful aesthetic effect. This contrasts sharply with Western conceptions of aesthetics focused on form and style, emphasizing instead a processual, energetic approach where the work's inherent potential is unlocked. Jullien ultimately argues that shitranscends mere representation, connecting the visible with the invisible and the tangible with the spiritual.
Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.
Jullien, F. (1995). The propensity of things: toward a history of efficacy in China. Zone Books ; Distributed by MIT Press. (pp.75-89)
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This excerpt from Ten Thousand Things analyzes the evolution of Chinese script, exploring its underlying structure. It examines the fundamental brushstrokes and how these combine to form increasingly complex characters, ultimately building coherent texts. The text contrasts the unique features of Chinese characters with alphabetic systems, highlighting the historical development and aesthetic considerations inherent in the script's design. Furthermore, it investigates the role of modules—interchangeable building blocks—in character construction and considers the practical and philosophical implications of this writing system's structure. Finally, it contrasts the efficiency of Chinese characters with alphabetic systems in conveying information.
Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.
Ledderose, L. (2000). Ten Thousand Things: Module and Mass Production in Chinese Art (1st ed). Princeton University Press.
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This academic article explores the intersection of ethics and design, arguing that ethical behavior isn't solely a matter of conscious intention but is deeply embedded within material culture. The author examines various philosophical perspectives, including those of Derrida, Levinas, and Latour, to support the idea that objects themselves can be ethical or unethical, influencing human behavior and shaping societal norms. The article further proposes that well-designed objects can act as moral educators, subtly guiding users toward sustainable and responsible actions, while poorly designed objects can inadvertently perpetuate harmful behaviors. Ultimately, the piece advocates for a design approach that fosters ethical ways of being through the inherent properties and interactions of objects within their environment.
Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.
Tonkinwise, C. (2004). Ethics by design, or the ethos of things. Design philosophy papers, 2(2), 129-144.
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This excerpt from "Colonising Egypt - Enframing.pdf" analyzes the imposition of disciplinary power in 19th-century Egypt under Muhammad Ali's rule and its subsequent European influence. The text examines how military reforms, using Prussian and French models, created a system of continuous surveillance and control that extended beyond the army to encompass the entire Egyptian population, particularly the peasantry. This involved confining people to their villages, meticulously regulating their work, and establishing a hierarchical system of supervision and punishment. The author contrasts this "enframing" approach to order with pre-modern Middle Eastern practices, highlighting the differences in spatial organization, social relations, and conceptions of order and meaning. Ultimately, the text argues that the new system aimed to increase productivity for the European market by creating a legible and controllable population through spatial and social regimentation.
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Mitchell, T. (2003). Colonising Egypt (Repr). Univ. of California Press. (pp.34-62)
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The source, excerpts from Elaine Scarry's work, explores the relationship between human experience, particularly pain and desire, and the creation of artifacts. Scarry argues that artifacts are projections of human sentience, materialized attempts to alleviate suffering and enhance human capabilities. The source connects Scarry's ideas to the field of design, suggesting that design is an ethical and deeply human endeavor, not just a technical process, involving the materialization of sentience and a responsibility to consider the object's impact on the user within a broader cultural context. The act of designing is seen as a cycle of projection and reciprocation, with objects both reflecting human needs and shaping human experience.
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Scarry, E. (1987). The body in pain: the making and unmaking of the world. University of Oxford Press.
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The first source, excerpts from Judith Butler's Frames of War, examines how cultural frameworks shape our understanding of grievable lives, arguing that the value placed on a life is contingent upon its recognizability within established norms. This impacts our responses to war and violence, highlighting the unequal distribution of precariousness and the need for a more inclusive ontology of the body and social responsibility. The second source, "Precarious Life and Design Ethics," applies Butler's concepts to design, proposing a design ethic rooted in recognizing the inherent precariousness of all life and the importance of grievability in valuing life. This necessitates a shift from anthropocentric design toward a more socially conscious and responsible approach that considers the interconnectedness of life and the social conditions required for flourishing.
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Butler, J. (2009). Frames of war: when is life grievable? Verso. (pp.1-32)
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The sources explore Emmanuel Levinas's philosophy, focusing on his concept of the "Other." The first source examines how Levinas's ideas apply to design, arguing that ethical design should prioritize the user's unique "otherness" over self-centered or utilitarian approaches. The second source examines Levinas's critique of traditional ontology, emphasizing the "Other's" irreducibility and its ethical implications. It highlights the "Other" as a disruptive force that commands responsibility and challenges egocentric perspectives. The "Other's" presence, rather than fulfilling needs, evokes a deeper "desire" transcending self-interest. Both sources ultimately stress the ethical imperative inherent in recognizing and responding to the "Other."
Peperzak, A. T., & Lévinas, E. (1993). To the other: an introduction to the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas. Purdue University Press. (pp.18-22)
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This excerpt from Lévi-Strauss's The Savage Mind contrasts Western scientific thought with the cognitive processes of so-called "primitive" societies. Lévi-Strauss argues that these societies possess a deep understanding of their environment, demonstrated by extensive botanical and anatomical knowledge. He further explores the nature of artistic creation, suggesting it mediates between scientific objectivity and the more intuitive approaches of myth-making and bricolage. The author examines how games and rituals similarly function as structured activities that either generate differences (games) or overcome them (rituals). Finally, he analyzes how artistic expression integrates structure and event, contrasting this with the reverse process in myth-making.
Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.
Lévi-Strauss, C. (1962). The savage mind. Univ. of Chicago Press.
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This paper explores the concept of sustainability in design education through the lens of Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy. The author argues that sustainability should not be viewed as a mere add-on to design projects, but rather as a fundamental aspect of the designer's "existential project," their self-definition through actions and choices. He proposes that a designer's fundamental project, their core values and motivations, shapes their approach to design, influencing whether they prioritize sustainability. The design studio is presented as a key environment for fostering this self-reflection and potentially leading to a "radical conversion"where students adopt sustainability as a freely chosen value. Ultimately, the paper suggests that by integrating existentialist thought, design education can cultivate a more ethical and sustainable design practice.
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D’Anjou, P. (2007). The Existential Self as Locus of Sustainability in Design. Design Philosophy Papers, 5(3), 119–128. https://doi.org/10.2752/144871307X13966292017559
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This paper challenges the traditional hylomorphic model of making, which views creation as the imposition of form onto passive matter. Instead, the author argues that making is a process of weaving, where practitioners actively engage with material flows and forces, following the "grain" of the world's becoming. This approach emphasizes itineration and improvisation, contrasting with the architectonic model's focus on pre-conceived designs. Examples like carpentry, drawing, and kite-making illustrate how skilled practice involves a continuous, responsive interaction with materials, generating form through movement and transformation, rather than imposing it. The paper ultimately advocates for a re-evaluation of creativity, moving away from a backward-looking, causal explanation to embrace a forward-looking, generative perspective.
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Ingold, T. (2010). The textility of making. Cambridge Journal of Economics, 34(1), 91–102. https://doi.org/10.1093/cje/bep042
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This text explores Heidegger's phenomenology of space, arguing that his concept of intentionality, the relation between humans and their environment, rejects a subject-object dualism. The author contends that Heidegger's views on space and relationality are relevant to urbanism, particularly considering the co-constitution of human experience and the built environment. The text examines debates surrounding the interplay of "subjective" and "public" space within Heidegger's framework, emphasizing the role of technology and everyday practices in shaping urban experience. Finally, the text connects Heidegger's ideas to Arendt's work on the public realm, highlighting the significance of shared spaces and the politics of appearance.
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Keane, J., & Selinger, E. (Eds.). (2014). Footprint: Architecture and Phenomenology. 3. https://doi.org/10.7480/FOOTPRINT.2.2.
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This text explores Heidegger's interpretation of Aristotle's philosophy, focusing on the concept of "seeing" (eidenai) as the origin of knowledge. Heidegger analyzes Aristotle's hierarchy of knowledge—aisthesis, empeiria, techne, episteme, and sophia—arguing that Aristotle privileges theoretical contemplation (theoria) over practical wisdom (phronesis). The text examines Heidegger's critique of this prioritization, contrasting the "restricted orientation" of cognitive knowledge with a more existential understanding of Dasein's engagement with the world. Ultimately, the analysis investigates the relationship between theoretical knowledge and practical action, highlighting the complexities of human experience and the role of "practical vision" (aisthesis) in shaping our understanding of being.
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McNeill, W. (1999). The glance of the eye: Heidegger, Aristotle, and the ends of theory. State University of New York Press.
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The provided texts explore the intersection of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, Book VI, and the field of design. They analyze how Aristotelian concepts like techne (craft/skill), phronesis (practical wisdom), the "golden mean," deliberation, episteme (scientific knowledge), and telos (purpose) inform ethical and responsible design practices. The authors examine how these principles guide designers in finding balance in their work, making ethical choices, and creating meaningful products and systems that serve human needs and the common good. Specific examples are given to illustrate the application of these philosophical concepts to various aspects of design, from the creation of user interfaces to the development of sustainable technologies.
Please note that the podcast covers key points from the source with synthetic voices, which may have glitches. It’s a reflective, not comprehensive, interpretation.
Aristote, Ross, W. D., & Brown, L. (2009). The Nicomachean ethics (ed. rev). Oxford university press.
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Albert Borgmann's essay "The Depth of Design" argues that modern design prioritizes engineering and efficiency over aesthetic and user engagement. He contends that this shift has led to a decline in the "depth of design," resulting in superficial and unfulfilling interactions with our material world. Borgmann calls for a revival of design that integrates engineering and aesthetics to foster deeper human engagement with objects and the environment, citing examples like urban planning and kitchenware. He emphasizes the designer's role as both trustee and artisan, responsible for creating environments that promote meaningful experiences.
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Buchanan, R., & Margolin, V. (Eds.). (2007). Discovering design: explorations in design studies (7. Aufl). University of Chicago Press. (pp.13-22)
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This text explores Heidegger's philosophy of time and technology, particularly his concepts of Dasein (being-in-the-world), temporality, and the "already-there." It analyzes Heidegger's use of the myths of Prometheus and Epimetheus to illustrate the interplay between technological advancement and the inherent limitations of human understanding. The author critiques Heidegger's ambiguous stance on technology, arguing that his understanding of the "instrumental condition" and "epimêtheia" (heritage) is insufficient. The text further examines the role of clocks and writing as technological instruments shaping our experience of time and knowledge, ultimately questioning the nature of knowledge and the implications of "real time" in contemporary technological society. The author aims to re-examine Heidegger's work through a contemporary lens, focusing on the constitutive role of technology in shaping human experience.
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Stiegler, B., & Stiegler, B. (1998). The Fault of Epimetheus. Stanford Univ. Pr. (pp.185-203)
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Tony Fry's Defuturing: A New Design Philosophy introduces a critical examination of design's role in creating unsustainability. The text argues that design history reveals a pattern of neglecting long-term consequences, leading to a "defutured" world. Fry proposes "defuturing" as a method to analyze and expose this pattern, advocating for a new design philosophy focused on sustainability. This involves rethinking design's relationship to time, power, and relationality, moving beyond linear thinking to embrace complexity and ethical responsibility. The work ultimately aims to transform design practice by fostering a deeper understanding of its impact and promoting sustainable alternatives.
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Fry, T. (2020). Defuturing: a new design philosophy. Bloomsbury Visual Arts. (pp.1-15)
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