Self-activity and technical activity: approximations between Marx and Simondon to think about work

Abstract

Gilbert Simondon, in his non-autocratic philosophy of technique, criticized hylemorphism, the Aristotelian theory of origin, which conceives the formation of the individual through the imposition of a form considered ideal on a passive matter. For Simondon, it is first because man, as the bearer of form, dominates nature, that he can dominate other men. When reflecting on the mode of existence of technical objects, the philosopher realizes that the very conception of Western work reproduces situations of domination resulting from this split and initial domination over nature, from the division between manual and intellectual work, sensitive and scientific knowledge, conflict between culture and technique. In this movement, the author will defend that work itself is a source of alienation, and the criticism that locates alienation in the relationship of private property and in the game of surplus value is insufficient. In his understanding, Marxism locates alienation outside work. This text, in an introductory way, presents moments of this reflection. Finally, some less explored texts by Marx are visited, including studies related to technology, in which we find a rich reflection on the relationship between the worker and the machine, science applied to capital, and other issues, which although in this text are not in-depth, indicate a closer relationship between the two authors.