witnessentialism

• plato's view: essence first, then existence.
  • abstract concept (essence) comes before the reduction to practice (existence).
  • example: first a circle is an abstract concept, then we draw a circle on paper (e.g. reduce the concept to practice).
  • necessity is the mother of invention.
  • the need and abstract concept come first.
  • the duty of the technician or engineer is to solve specific problems.
• existentialism: existence before essence:
• EXISTech: Existential Technology
  • first it exists (invent it first), then the essence (meaning) can be figured out later.
  • example: wearcomp, what it means is finally being understood, 20 or 30 years after the original invention.
  • inventor as artist: invention as a medium of expression
  • reflectionism: invention as social commentary, rather than obedience to "needs" as dictated by an external "essence".
  • "Prior Art" exhibit at gallery TPW.
  • "love is a better master than duty" -- A. Einstein
• witnessentialism: existence before essence: