Concept of “techno-fundamentalism” by P. Virilio and its reception in modern critical theory

Abstract

The article reveals the concept of “techno-fundamentalism” proposed by the French philosopher, urbanist and architectural critic P. Virillo (1932-2018). According to the author's own position, it was supposed to help illuminate the “negative aspect” of technological development as a self-fulfilling prophecy of the cultural project of “positivism, progressivism and idealism”. Against the background of the current uncritical hype around technology, P. Virilio's ideas can become the basis for reflection on the ongoing digitalisation and the latest personal communication technologies. However, the concept of “techno-fundamentalism” has not been discussed in Russian humanities and the question of its place in the critical theory of technology has not been raised so far.