The Homeotechnological Turn: Sloterdijk's Response to the Ecological Crisis
Sanne van der Hout · Environmental Values · 2014
In this paper I critically reflect on the sustainability potential of biomimetic technologies by focusing on writings of the German philosopher Peter Sloterdijk. Although I agree with Sloterdijk that biomimetic technologies – or, as he calls them, ‘homeotechnologies’ – offer specific opportunities for a more peaceful co-existence of humans and nature, I will argue that his reflections are based on a series of problematic assumptions. I will conclude by arguing that the ‘homeotechnological turn’ can be effected only if it is developed within the context of a different ecological ethos from the technocentric ethos that currently dominates our attitude towards nature.