Human–Technics Intra-Action

Don Ihde introduced the concept of multistability: the “same” thing can be experienced in multiple ways. He argued that human–technics relations are multistable: the “same” person can relate to the “same” technic in different ways. However, Ihde does not explain in detail how he understands experience. I suggest that experience be defined as organism–environment intra-action. This definition has anthropological consequences, which I will explain. In this article, I will argue that technics influence human nature, at least potentially, in two ways. First, our character consists in our habits, and each habit is a skill, or active means. Second, habits incorporate both the traits of persons and of their environment, and instruments external to the body, or passive means, are a possible part of the environment. I will also explain multistability by deriving it from the practice-ladenness of experience. I will rely on classical pragmatism in my argumentation.