Primitivism and Technology: From the Golden Age to Neo-Luddism
Description
This workshop explores the ethical and theological dimensions of primitivism, examining its critique of technology and its implications for humanity. Primitivism often envisions a lost ideal state—whether Eden, the Golden Age, or pre-industrial simplicity—as a standard to evaluate modern civilization or as a goal for renewal. Central to this vision are key oppositions such as nature vs. civilization and freedom vs. technological subjugation.
In a world shaped by digital technologies, radical approaches like anarcho-primitivism, neo- Luddism, and accelerationism propose different paths: rejecting, withdrawing from, or accelerating technological progress. But what does freedom mean in such a context? How do we negotiate humanity's place in an increasingly hybridized world?
Key Topics
- The myth of Eden and the Golden Age as frameworks for critiquing modernity Primitivism’s critique of civilization and its ethical call for restoration
- The interplay between techniques, humanization, and freedom
Radical responses to technology: rejection, withdrawal, or acceleration
- The relevance of primitivist ideals in addressing today’s digital challenges The primitivist imagery across philosophy, literature, and theology.
How It Works
All sessions will be held online via the Zoom platform and will last approximately two hours. The meetings will take place monthly and will include a guided exploration of selected texts, followed by an open discussion to critically engage with the themes and ideas presented.
Please use the following link to register for the workshop. Registration is mandatory to receive the Zoom links for the sessions and to access the dossiers de lecture, which will serve as preparatory material for the discussions: https://forms.gle/tLbEy2snsquwE6nc8
Program
24 March 2025
Primitivism in Antiquity : An Introduction
Intervention : Osti Andrea, University of Turin, Collège des Bernardins
8 April 2025
Le progrès technique est-il le problème ou la solution ?
Introduction à Jacques Ellul
Intervention : Chastenet Patrick, Université Bordeaux–IV
26 May 2025
Luddites Future
Intervention : Gavin Mueller, University of Amsterdam
11 June 2025
Living the Good Life Before and Without State,Sedentism and Savings
Intervention: Andreas Gehrlach, Internationales Forschungszentrum Kulturwissenschaften, Wien
In a world shaped by digital technologies, radical approaches like anarcho-primitivism, neo- Luddism, and accelerationism propose different paths: rejecting, withdrawing from, or accelerating technological progress. But what does freedom mean in such a context? How do we negotiate humanity's place in an increasingly hybridized world?
Key Topics
- The myth of Eden and the Golden Age as frameworks for critiquing modernity Primitivism’s critique of civilization and its ethical call for restoration
- The interplay between techniques, humanization, and freedom
Radical responses to technology: rejection, withdrawal, or acceleration
- The relevance of primitivist ideals in addressing today’s digital challenges The primitivist imagery across philosophy, literature, and theology.
How It Works
All sessions will be held online via the Zoom platform and will last approximately two hours. The meetings will take place monthly and will include a guided exploration of selected texts, followed by an open discussion to critically engage with the themes and ideas presented.
Please use the following link to register for the workshop. Registration is mandatory to receive the Zoom links for the sessions and to access the dossiers de lecture, which will serve as preparatory material for the discussions: https://forms.gle/tLbEy2snsquwE6nc8
Program
24 March 2025
Primitivism in Antiquity : An Introduction
Intervention : Osti Andrea, University of Turin, Collège des Bernardins
8 April 2025
Le progrès technique est-il le problème ou la solution ?
Introduction à Jacques Ellul
Intervention : Chastenet Patrick, Université Bordeaux–IV
26 May 2025
Luddites Future
Intervention : Gavin Mueller, University of Amsterdam
11 June 2025
Living the Good Life Before and Without State,Sedentism and Savings
Intervention: Andreas Gehrlach, Internationales Forschungszentrum Kulturwissenschaften, Wien
| March 24, 2025 | |
| June 11, 2025 |
Link for additional information
Organisers
Università di Torino