Revisiting Martin Buber’s Believing Humanism: Preliminary Study on Buberian Art and Technology

Abstract

The Industrial Revolution transformed different aspects of human life, including artistic endeavors. Its unpredictable development and significant impact spurred interdisciplinary discussions concerning the proper or beneficial stance towards technology. Martin Buber’s philosophy offers insightful remarks pertinent to the questions surrounding the Industrial Revolution and how we can become more truly human through creative action. His ideas are related to genuine “believing humanism,” which he postulates counteracts the excesses of modernity, i.e., the voluntary enslavement of man towards machines. In this light, Buberian studies should revisit and construct a renewed perspective regarding art and technology to understand the foundation of this utopic vision. Thus, Buber’s reflections concerning art and technology must be collated, examined, and juxtaposed with recent discoveries to derive their continued relevance. Therefore, this paper proceeds as follows: The first part expounds on the fundamental concepts of Martin Buber’s philosophy about art and technology. The second part appropriates Buber’s philosophy to the technologically advanced society and poses questions for further meditation on the trajectory of man’s value and designated societal role. The last part covers Buber’s recommendations to maintain our humanity in traversing the narrow ridge of the Industrial Revolution.