De-humanizing the World to Rethink the Human-Technology Relationship: From Guido Morselli’s Dissipatio H.G. to Peter Sloterdijk’s Homeotechnology

Abstract

This article examines Guido Morselli’s novel Dissipatio H.G., focusing on its exploration of the human-technology relationship. After discussing the hybrid nature of the work, which blends science fiction and philosophy, I delve into its narrative by emphasizing the theoretical functions of its peculiar post-apocalyptic setting. In particular, I engage with what I shall present as the de-humanization of the world, which serves as a backdrop for addressing issues concerning the Anthropocene, where the trinomial human/technology/nature is at stake. Based on this foundation, this study then develops a dialogue between Morselli’s work and contemporary philosophy of technology, with a particular emphasis on Peter Sloterdijk’s thought. Within these contours, I first aim to show how Morselli presciently anticipated certain themes of Sloterdijk’s philosophy, and, second, demonstrate how the latter can enrich the former’s discourse, especially through the introduction of the concept of homeotechnology.