Architecture of Affectation The Transformative Activity of Networked Technology

Date of Award

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Flakne, April

Keywords

Web 2.0, Technology, Consciousness, McDowell, Sartre, Social Media

Area of Concentration

Sociophilosophy

Abstract

This paper attempts to address the emerging realm of social technology in connection with a philosophical investigation of that social world. It proceeds through examples of recent applications of such technology�like the Iranians� use of Twitter subsequent to their 2009 election�in an effort to first establish these networked technologies as important objects for study in their own right. Alternate with this discussion is an exploration of contemporary value-theory, and a development of a theory of consciousness that can account for the motivational appearance of human value within the realm of social convention. The author defends this realm as �real� despite its dependency on contingent relations for phenomenal existence. It is only at this phenomenal level, the author argues, that a �real� can be perceived, as a consciousness becomes related to a perception only through these conventional avenues. Some work is done toward paralleling the activity of new social media with the activity of consciousness so conceived, and suggestions for further study are pointed to in the conclusion. The author urges that specialized knowledge has a role to play in the practical application of these new media, but admits the indeterminacy of such a role, pending deeper investigation.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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