The Digital Condition

Referentiality, communality and underlying algorithms are the characteristic forms of the digital condition, in which more and more people (are forced to) participate in the negotiation of social meaning, in more and more fields and with the help of increasingly complex technologies. In this way, they react to the challenges of a chaotic, overflowing sphere of information and thus contribute to its proliferation. This is causing old cultural orders to collapse while new ones are already discernible. Felix Stalder sheds light on the historical roots as well as the political consequences of these developments. The future, he concludes, is open. Our actions determine whether we will live in a post-democratic world of surveillance and knowledge monopolies or in a culture of the commons and participation.

 

»A remarkable map of the social and cultural changes brought about by the shift to digital culture. Broad in scope and precise in detail, this is a book of plentiful insights and deft propositions.« Matthew Fuller, Goldsmiths, University of London

»A fresh and intimate analysis that transcends labels and points to the tendency toward commons as proof for the existence of genuine, fundamental, and cutting-edge alternatives. Felix Stalder is whispering in the reader’s ear that, yes, despite everything, another world is possible. A must-read for anyone who cares about the future.« Trebor Scholz, The New School, New York

»Felix Stalder's exciting book is a must-read for anyone interested in the development of a digital culture.« Guido Koller, HSOZKULT

»In an impressive manner, Stalder shows that the rapid changes in their concrete social forms are by no means without alternatives.« Alfred Auer, Pro Zukunft