De farmacologie van captologie

: Een Stiegleriaanse kritiek op persuasieve technologie

Abstract

This thesis develops a critical theory of persuasive technology. To this end, B.J. Fogg's 'Behaviour Model' - as put forward in Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do - is analysed and probed in dialogue with Bertrand Stiegler's philosophy. It first examines how and on what ethical-philosophical grounds persuasive technology can affect human consciousness. The discursive praxis and ideology that precede persuasive applications are shown to play a major role here. In light of this, some methodological and ethical suggestions are already made halfway through the text. These reflections are then set against Stiegler's critique of today's techno-capitalist culture. The concepts of time, acceleration and attention take centre stage here. The structure of the argument proceeds as follows: (1) the transformation of human consciousness by persuasive technology corresponds to a certain socio-technological condition, (2) this condition also always has a pharmacological character, and (3) the curative possibilities of this pharmacology are hard to achieve, with unfavourable consequences for our attention, experiences and joy in life. Consequently, this thesis is composed of a philosophical and a political-economic component. By thinking politics and technology together, this study contributes to a growing critical discourse around persuasive technology.

Date of Award	Jun 2015
Original language	Dutch
Awarding Institution	Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Supervisor	Yoni Van Den Eede (Promotor) & Bart Van Kerkhove (Jury)