Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Jalal Karimian ¹
• Narges Sadat Sajjadieh ²

¹ PhD in Philosophy of Education - University of Tehran

² Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education, University of Tehran. Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Autonomy is a central objective of contemporary education. An autonomous individual is one who is not constrained by external obstacles and, in a precise sense, whose thoughts and actions genuinely belong to them. Yet the individualistic orientation of the liberal tradition alone cannot fully address the question of autonomy. We must be able to respond to the theoretical and practical challenges that technology poses for autonomy. Postphenomenology offers a novel perspective in this regard.



In this study, we first employ conceptual analysis to map the fundamental themes of autonomy onto postphenomenological theory. From this standpoint, technologies have never been alien objects to humans but rather co‑inhabitants; consequently, the human subject can never be entirely independent of technology. Nevertheless, if the hidden intentionalities of technology go unrecognized and we fail to anticipate and prepare for them, they may undermine human autonomy and educational processes alike.



The principal proposal of this research is to reconceive autonomy on the basis of the intertwined relations between humans and technologies in the new world. In an era of intelligent, omnipresent technologies, autonomy is reframed across a fresh horizon of possibilities for self‑realization and self‑evaluation. Therefore, we must develop theoretical and practical frameworks that foster creative modes of living with technology. Redefining the role of technological habits in education, cultivating technological competencies and self‑cultivation practices in relation to technology, and designing the spatio‑temporal lifeworlds of children and adolescents—grounded in a postphenomenological understanding of human–technology relations—are the key strategies for implementing this vision.

Keywords

• Education
• Autonomy
• Post-Phenomenology
• Technological Mediation
• Technological Intentionality
• Creative Coexistence with Technology
• Technological Habit

Main Subjects

• philosophy