Chapter four of Ivan Illich’s book Tools for Conviviality explores ways in which the delicate balance for sustainable human life has shifted with the new “tools” of the recent generations.

Illich expresses how we are experiencing a dramatic shift in new technology and industry within the past few generations. Using the metaphor “the plow makes the man the lord of a garden but also a refugee from a dust bowl” – Illich suggests that these tools we are developing can grow out of control and become the master man. Furthermore, the text goes onto explain how man is addicted to this progression, using words such as “master” and “enslaving” man is losing control and becoming trapped by its desire for more. Subsequently, new generations born into the rapid advancing technology, are becoming more dependent on the technology than the ones before and are born into a world which is becoming less fit on them. Such change has seen the delicate balance of life being offset from a maintainable state.

The Demythologization of Science

Expanding on the recent developments of our tools, science, which was once a term, used for the “creative activity of individuals” has however, become an enterprise for knowledge. Illich highlights how the ways in which the public understand science has changed, with information being fed to the public. What is more, people are becoming dependent on being fed this information which is leading to a paralysis of imagination.
“Leave it to the experts” is a common saying which suggests how people have become less confident in their own judgment. Furthermore, people are seeking comfort and approval for their knowledge, relying on the information they consume. Worryingly becoming vulnerable to standards set by experts, this can be dangerous when adapted for persuasive motif. With this people may “become pawns in a world game operated by mega-machines.”

The Rediscovery of Language

During the times of industrial revolution, new ways in which human economic success became measured – through industrial performance, which drove factories into competition. Subsequentially, “housework, farming, handicraft and subsistence activities ranging from the making of preserves to self-building of a home began to be viewed as subsidiary or second-rate forms of productions” and with this the industrial mode paralyzed the nexus of productive relationships which coexisted in society.
Illich points out how the corporate production dominates resources, establishing a “radical monopoly” industrialization is becoming the master of our resource. Furthermore, the imagination and motivational structure of people.
Subconsciously language has changed in industrial countries, way in which highlight the consumerist and ownership. Furthermore, the change from “I want to learn” to “I want to get an education” highlights this: in the first instance the subject is designated as an actor whereas the last, a consumer.
To return balance, man must become conscious of the industrial corruption on language and return to a convivial function of language.

The Recovery of Legal Procedure

Politics and laws are becoming ever more focused on the support of an ever-expanding productive society. Illich suggest that with the addiction for more, knowledge, decisions, goods, and services – the politics and laws have consistently been used to foster growth of the relevant organisations. Concentrating power with and acting as a tool for the service of an industrial state.
Illich explains that law is a constant progression – set laws are applied to cases. The outcome becomes a precedent. Moreover, the law is in a corrupt state in which favours the firm over the individual. With the motif that more in inherently good, it is protecting the consumer and industrial ways.
With a shift in focus, Illich suggests how a focus must be shifted and those who practice law should restructure it to bring more balance in the interest of convivial society.

Conclusion

Chapter four explores three topics where there is an unbalance. Firstly, science in which Illich suggests man has become to idolise. Secondly, how language has been corrupted by the industrialisation of man. Finally, how the law has also adapted to support and cultivate a consumerist society. Through these topics, Illich creates an informed and very opinion-based analysis of the rapid development of our tools has offset the delicate balance – with man losing control to the machine. However, Illich also suggests there are ways in which these tools can be managed.

PRESENTATION

by Tuesday 01.12.2020

Deadline:
Both tasks will need to be completed by MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2020 at 5pm

PRESENTATION
TEMPLATE

INDESIGN
TEMPLATE

PRESENTATION
TEMPLATE