Martin Heidegger’s critique of technology profoundly reveals the potential threats that modern technology poses to human existence. He does not outright reject technology itself but rather analyzes the essence of modern technology as a “framework” (Gestell)—a mode of thinking that incorporates everything into a controllable and utilizable structure. This “framework”-based technology originates from Newtonian determinism and reductionism, simplifying the world into functional tools, thereby obscuring the intrinsic “being” of things.

However, it is necessary to subject Heidegger’s views to a contemporary review and revision. He seems to regard all modern technology as functional tools, overlooking the development of emergent technology. Emergentism emphasizes the unique properties of complex systems as a whole, highlighting the interaction and symbiosis between humans and nature, as well as between humans and machines.

For example, Bitcoin, designed by Satoshi Nakamoto, is not merely a functional tool but a significant practice of emergent technology. Through its decentralized mechanism, it fosters meaningful interactions between humans and machines, constructing a new socio-economic paradigm. This type of technology embodies human-machine interaction and coexistence, fundamentally differing from the instrumentalist technology Heidegger criticized.

In fact, we are witnessing a paradigm shift in technology: from closed, functionalist tool-based technology to a fusion of emergentist natural technology. Artificial intelligence is evolving from tool-based AI serving specific functions to consciousness-based AI with self-awareness. Similarly, blockchain technology is transitioning from a formalized deterministic tool to a “living entity” technology akin to Bitcoin.

This transformation does not seek to completely negate the value of instrumental technology but rather aims to find a more balanced and sustainable path for technological development. In technological progress, we should incorporate the wisdom of emergentism, respect the complexity and diversity of nature, and establish a new pattern of harmonious coexistence between humans and machines, as well as between humans and nature.

This means that we must not only focus on the functionality of technology but also its social and ethical dimensions. We must not only pursue efficiency and convenience but also meaning and value. We must not only control and utilize technology but also build a relationship of interdependence and mutual inspiration with it.

Through a contemporary review and revision of Heidegger’s critique of technology, we can more clearly recognize that technology is not a unidirectional force but something that can be guided and shaped. While remaining vigilant against the dangers of the technological “framework,” we should also actively explore the potential of emergent technology, ultimately achieving a harmonious coexistence between technology and humanity, as well as between technology and nature.