Synthetica: Synthesis on Design

Synthetic Synthesis
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This podcast delves into the epistemology of design and its intersecting fields, including aesthetics and interdisciplinary domains such as human-computer interaction. Through dialogues that spark reflection on knowledge, creativity, and technology, each episode focuses on a central theme, brought to life through the dynamic interplay of two synthetic yet complementary characters. At its core, the podcast asks: How can machines contribute to knowledge creation and reshape our understanding of human thought and the realities we design? syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

  1. Electric Language: Word Processing, Culture, and Thought

    FEB 21

    Electric Language: Word Processing, Culture, and Thought

    This document examines the impact of word processing on human thought processes, drawing on philosophy, technology, and cultural history. It critiques the transformative effects of digital writing, particularly its influence on language, memory, and creativity. The study considers the shift from traditional writing methods to computerized environments, analyzing how software and hardware shape our cognitive abilities. Heim's exploration includes discussions of existentialism, Plato, and the nature of literacy, with examples from software programs. It suggests compensatory disciplines to offset potential losses in contemplative thought and mental privacy due to technology.Ultimately, the text calls for thoughtful engagement with the evolving relationship between humans and digital tools. 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. Norris, Christopher, and Michael Heim. “Electric Language: A Philosophical Study of Word Processing.” Comparative Literature 41, no. 3 (1989): 270. https://doi.org/10.2307/1771110. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

    19 min
  2. Design, Precarity, and the Refusal of Work: A Critical Analysis

    FEB 20

    Design, Precarity, and the Refusal of Work: A Critical Analysis

    This thesis explores the precarious working conditions of designers and strategies to combat them. It examines how precariousness is produced and maintained within the capitalist economy. The author analyzes design education and practices, relating them to broader economic and social forces. The research includes practical experiments, such as shared residencies and collective projects, aimed at creating alternative economic cultures for designers. Feminist and autonomist Marxist perspectives inform the analysis, emphasizing commoning, care, and the refusal of traditional work models as potential solutions. The author proposes a shift towards collective action and challenges designers to rethink their role in society beyond market-driven values. 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. Elzenbaumer, Bianca. “Designing Economic Cultures: Cultivating Socially and Politically Engaged Design Practices against Procedures of Precarisation.” Goldsmiths College University of London, 2013. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.25602/GOLD.00009920. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

    19 min
  3. Understanding Computers and Cognition: A Response to Reviews

    FEB 19

    Understanding Computers and Cognition: A Response to Reviews

    Winograd and Flores respond to reviews of their book "Understanding Computers and Cognition," focusing on differing interpretations. They argue that reviewers from different academic traditions (analytic philosophy, AI, ethnomethodology) understood the book based on their own backgrounds. The authors critique the rationalistic tradition's emphasis on logical arguments and the AI field's focus on explicit symbolic representations. They value ethnomethodology's understanding of diverse traditions, but note it relies on systematic methodology. Winograd and Flores emphasize the importance of openness to new discourse and acknowledge where their writing may have caused misinterpretations. Ultimately, they aim to generate a new theoretical basis for design grounded in understanding human action and technology. 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. Winograd, Terry, and Fernando Flores. “On Understanding Computers and Cognition: A New Foundation for Design.” Artificial Intelligence 31, no. 2 (February 1987): 250–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/0004-3702(87)90026-9. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

    26 min
  4. The Matter of Design: Artifice, Mediation, and the Artificial

    FEB 18

    The Matter of Design: Artifice, Mediation, and the Artificial

    Clive Dilnot's "The Matter of Design" explores the evolving role of design in a world increasingly dominated by the artificial. The author contends that design has transitioned from its industrial origins to become a crucial mode of mediation and reconfiguration in an era where the artificial has become the prime condition of human existence. Dilnot argues that design, as a generalized human capacity, is essential for navigating incommensurable requirements and conditions, and therefore, it surpasses technology. The study emphasizes that in the artificial, certainty is dead, and things are defined not by their being but by their configuration and possibilities. The writing considers matter no longer being other to humans, but ultimately a matter of human concern. In essence, the text examines how designing is critical for our understanding of mediation, the artificial, and ourselves in this transformed world. 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. Dilnot, Clive. “The Matter of Design.” Design Philosophy Papers 13, no. 2 (2015): 115–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/14487136.2015.1133137. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

    15 min
  5. Stiegler Interview: Technics, Proletarianization, and the Battle for the Mind

    FEB 17

    Stiegler Interview: Technics, Proletarianization, and the Battle for the Mind

    This text is an interview with French philosopher Bernard Stiegler, conducted by Pieter Lemmens. Stiegler discusses the relationship between humans and technology, arguing that they are inseparable. He critiques contemporary capitalist society for causing a "generalized proletarianization," where individuals lose knowledge and "know-how" (savoir-faire) and are reduced to consumers. Stiegler suggests that this exploitation of human cognition through technology leads to a destruction of desire and the joy of life. Despite this bleak outlook, Stiegler expresses hope that digital networks can foster a new "society of contribution" based on open-source and peer-to-peer models, offering a path toward "de-proletarianization." He sees a "battle for the mind" where philosophy must engage with technology to cultivate new forms of consciousness and resist the degradation of human existence. 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. Lemmens, Pieter. “‘This System Does Not Produce Pleasure Anymore’ an Interview with Bernard Stiegler.” Krisis: Journal for Contemporary Philosophy, no. 1 (2011): 33–37. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

    18 min
  6. Tradition Translated: Technology, Heidegger, and Japanese Architecture

    FEB 14

    Tradition Translated: Technology, Heidegger, and Japanese Architecture

    Adrian Snodgrass's "Translating Tradition" explores the paradox of Japanese 'New Wave' architects who critique Western rationality while embracing advanced technology. The article connects this stance to Heidegger's philosophy of technology and Buddhist doctrines, suggesting that these architects aim to translate the unseen spiritual heritage of Japan into the language of technology. Snodgrass analyzes Heidegger's concept of "letting-be" as a way of coping with technology that neither rejects it outright nor embraces it uncritically, finding parallels in Buddhist teachings. The paper argues that these architects offer a "Middle Way" that merges the oppositions inherent in technological rationality, potentially leading to a transformation of technology itself, and a means to deal with its dominance. Ultimately, the piece investigates how tradition can be translated and preserved in a technologically advanced world. 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. Snodgrass, Adrian. “Translating Tradition: Technology, Heidegger’s ‘Letting-Be,’ and Japanese New Wave Architecture.” Architectural Theory Review 2, no. 2 (1997): 83–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/13264829709478320. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

    12 min
  7. Simondon: Technical Mentality

    FEB 13

    Simondon: Technical Mentality

    Gilbert Simondon's "Technical Mentality" explores the development and nature of a technical mindset, asserting its coherence and potential. The text investigates cognitive schemas like cartesian mechanism and cybernetics as manifestations of this mentality, emphasizing analogical interpretation and transcategorical knowledge. Simondon contrasts artisanal and industrial modalities, highlighting the separation of information and energy sources in industrial production and the resulting affective tensions. He suggests overcoming this through the development of technical networks and a focus on post-industrial realities. The study considers how technical objects can incorporate the technical mentality through reticular structures that integrate stable, lasting components with replaceable, standardized parts. Ultimately, Simondon envisions a technical mentality that extends into various domains, including the fine arts and architecture. 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. Simondon, Gilbert, and Arne De Boever. “Technical Mentality.” edited by Arne De Boever, Shirley Murray, and Jon Roffe, 1–14. University of Edinburgh Press, 2013. https://doi.org/10.3366/edinburgh/9780748677214.003.0001. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

    13 min
  8. The Thingliness of Things: Design, Consumption, and Sustainability

    FEB 12

    The Thingliness of Things: Design, Consumption, and Sustainability

    Cameron Tonkinwise's "Is Design Finished? Dematerialisation and Changing Things" critiques the modern relationship with designed objects, arguing that a focus on finished products leads to unsustainable consumption patterns. The author draws on Heidegger's philosophy to examine how designed objects are perceived as complete and static, leading to a cycle of disposability. The text suggests that designers should shift their focus toward creating imperfect, evolving products that can be maintained and repaired over time. This would require a fundamental change in the ontology of design, moving away from the creation of discrete, finished objects and toward a more continuous and responsible approach. Tonkinwise suggests Product Service Systems (PSS) that aim to extend the life of products. The text concludes by questioning whether designers are capable of embracing this shift, suggesting a need to reconsider the very nature of design itself. 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, Cameron. “Is Design Finished? Dematerialisation and Changing Things.” Design Philosophy Papers 2, no. 3 (2004): 177–95. https://doi.org/10.2752/144871304X13966215068191. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

    19 min
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About

This podcast delves into the epistemology of design and its intersecting fields, including aesthetics and interdisciplinary domains such as human-computer interaction. Through dialogues that spark reflection on knowledge, creativity, and technology, each episode focuses on a central theme, brought to life through the dynamic interplay of two synthetic yet complementary characters. At its core, the podcast asks: How can machines contribute to knowledge creation and reshape our understanding of human thought and the realities we design? syntheticsynthesis.substack.com

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