Analyzing Technology: Questions of Flux, Uncertainty and Kairos
Podcast:
In this podcast I examine Johnson's "Refiguring the End of Technology" by way of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle. I suggest that systems, like technology, that exist in a constant state of flux become extremely difficult to analyze without arresting its fundamental current. Hoping to work against this problem, I suggest Kairos as one possible solution.
Richard Soltzman / Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, "Maid with Flaxen Hair," sample music
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Comments
"Kairos" and Freezing
Madeline,
Your first post is engaging, to say the least. Pairing rhetorical theory with quantum mechanics is more than a little commendable. Thus, your podcast was well worth the listen. However, because I’m supposed to disagree with or contend your argument in some deeply intellectual way, perhaps some time might be given to “kairos” and this concept of “freezing.”
What I gather from your podcast is the question of whether Johnson can effectively “freeze” elements within rhetorical and technological systems to shift the focus from system-based to user-based models of technology. Am I correct, here? If so, then how does “kairos” escape this pitfall? Granted, refiguring rhetorical systems with technology in mind means facing the transience of each, but “kairos” is concerned with a rhetorically fitting, momentary response to an exigence. As White writes, “‘kairos’ implies that there can never be more than a contingent and provisional management of the present opportunity.” (13). Thus, “kairos” is concerned only with an opportunity and a fitting response. This last bit implies that the material conditions surrounding such a response are frozen as soon as they addressed: Johnson’s argument can only be concerned with the characteristics of system-based models available to him at the time of his rhetorical response, “Refiguring the End of Technology.” Furthermore, Johnson’s argument is not as concerned with measuring said “frozen” elements so much as it is with analyzing their behavior and function. Now, the really interesting question might be whether we (scholars of rhetoric) can operate within the discourse of our field without “freezing” certain ideas and concepts for all intents and purposes.
-Josh-