The extensions of Man

Ernst Kapp (1808–1896)

In his book, Grundlinien einer Philosophie der Technik ("Fundamentals of a Philosophy of Technical Science," 1877 1), Ernst Kapp addressed societal and ethical problems associated with the rise of machines. He considered technology a projection of our human organs, as a connection between the body and the technological tools that humans have produced throughout history. He said:

The intrinsic relationship that arises between tools and organs, and one that is to be revealed and emphasized – although it is more one of unconscious discovery than of conscious invention – is that in the tool the human continually produces itself. Since the organ whose utility and power is to be increased is the controlling factor, the appropriate form of a tool can be derived only from that organ.2

Man represents himself in his tools which are an extension of our natural instruments such as the hand, which transforms itself in scissors, a hammer a pen, a teleremote manipulator that extends our hand to Mars and beyond etc.

Kapp argues that everything mankind produces is to be interpreted as technics which is the result of the projection of its organs, therefore technics is the only road to self-awareness.

The extension of our mind that we call the internet will soon escape human control if it has not done it yet, and as we play with our avatars it is to hope that we become self-aware of the implications and rise up to the challenge.

I welcome you to Interactive Storytelling where we will be working with, hopefully understanding, the most powerful instrument that man has helped create. For what use and purpose will we task this extreme expression of ourselves? This is an opportunity to, if not find the answers, at least to ask the right questions.


1.- E. Kapp. Grundlinien einer Philosophie der Technik (originally published in 1877), Stern–Verlag Janssen & Co, Düsseldorf (1978)
2.- Mitcham, C. Thinking through technology. Chicago: University of Chicago Press (1994).