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From the book “Convivial Technology,” Ivan Illich points out the conflicting relationship between humans and tools. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing this relationship, highlighting that tools can be used in two contradictory ways. One way leads to specialization, institutionalization of value, and concentration of power, turning people into bureaucratic entities. The other way expands individual human capabilities, management, and autonomy.
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Illich introduces the concept of the “two watersheds” to distinguish between convivial tools that enhance human spontaneity and creativity and dominant tools that subjugate humans and strip them of agency.
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The idea of the “two watersheds” refers to a parameter in tools where crossing a certain threshold leads to productivity, but crossing another threshold leads to counterproductivity, as discussed in “Convex and Concave Dispositions.”
Introduction - Two Watersheds:
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This discussion is on a different level than capitalism or communism, focusing on issues that can arise regardless of whether tools are owned by individuals, companies, or states.
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While the example of healthcare is used, similar principles apply to various tools, technologies, and industries.
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Key elements include institutional systems and bureaucratic control by experts.
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Illich criticizes models that assume linear growth and monotonic increase in utility with scale, similar to concepts discussed in “Antifragility” and “Convex and Concave Dispositions.”
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Initial reactions may be along the lines of “that makes sense,” but a more critical examination is encouraged to understand the underlying mechanisms better.
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The concept of “beneficial turning harmful” is highlighted, suggesting a need to consider the potential negative consequences of excessive benefits.
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The universality of this interpretation is acknowledged, prompting a deeper exploration of the parameters defining the watersheds.