Dorsality

In Dorsality, David Wills explores the relationship between humanity and technology, proposing an intertwined existence that challenges conventional perspectives.

In Dorsality, David Wills presents a thought-provoking examination of the intricate relationship between humanity and technology. He challenges the conventional notion that humans are natural beings who subsequently develop technology. Instead, Wills proposes a concept where nature and machine are intertwined from the very beginning. This idea is introduced through the metaphor of a 'dorsal turn,' which suggests that there are significant elements of our existence that occur outside of our direct awareness, behind our backs and beyond our immediate perception.

Wills enriches his argument by engaging with the philosophies of notable thinkers such as Heidegger, Lévinas, Derrida, and Sade. He skillfully rescues Heidegger’s insights from reductionist critiques of technology, while also exploring the complex dynamics of human relationships as articulated by Lévinas. Through these discussions, he highlights the political dimensions of friendship and sexuality, drawing connections to the works of Joyce and Broch, and examining the rhetoric surrounding nationalism and identity as expressed by Freud and Rimbaud.

Ultimately, Dorsality reveals that our focus on forward motion and visibility has led to significant ethical, political, and environmental implications. Wills argues that by neglecting the aspects of existence that lie behind us, we risk overlooking vital dimensions of our humanity and our relationship with technology. This sophisticated analysis invites readers to reconsider their understanding of both technology and the human experience.