The concept of “Universal apparatus” (Universalapparat) in Günther AndersABSTRACT:
More or less in the last half century, a process of planetarization of Technology is underway, which in the order of causes will have been more directly determined by the political-economic Globalization woven and imposed by the so-called Neoliberalism and more remotely influenced by successive industrial revolutions since the 18th century. It implied a transformation in the nature of Technology, ceasing to be a mere means (utensil, tool, instrument) for certain purposes and becoming a vital and existential environment. Günther Anders was an attentive, perceptive and critical observer of this phenomenon that, in his jargon, he conceived as the advent of a “Universal apparatus” (Universalapparat). I dedicate the first part of this article to reread the German philosopher’s interpretation of his supposed genesis and evolution. In the second part, I analyze this concept. In the third part, I explore two main philosophical consequences of this phenomenon.
Keywords: Universal Apparatus; Günther Anders; Technology; Human Condition; History