In: Psychology
What does Borgmann mean by a “focal thing” and how does it relate to Heidegger
This implies that, for any focal practice being carried out, there has to be presence of a focal thing. Focal thing could be referred to as nothing but the main point of focus. The example given by Bormann is of wilderness, where, the focal thing would be serving as the main orientation Center. Borgmann has been discussing the perspective that Heidegger put forth. There was an association carried out by Heidegger with the pretechnological association of the focal perspectives.
Heidegger had been influenced by the orientation of powers as those observed in the Greek times. Borgmann had identified one of the key aspects of the perspective put forward by Heidegger. According to borgmann, the idea outnforward by Heidegger which stated that in order to have a focal thing it is not necessary to escape technology. Rather, the use of technology could be in the form of focal practice that would be used for affirming technology.