Rethinking the human condition in a hyperconnected era: Why freedom is not about sovereignty but about beginnings

Abstract

The digital transition brings us to a point where it is critical to unveil the shortcomings of the excessive centrality of the notion of control in knowledge and in action. Omniscience and omnipotence, if pushed too far, crowd out any sense of freedom, purpose and meaning, even if it is in the name of the best intentions. Hannah Arendt’s notions of natality and plurality, by anchoring human freedom in beginnings rather than in sovereignty, provide grounding for revisiting the human condition in a hyperconnected era and approaching the related ethical issues with modesty, confidence and amor mund. This operation, called “Arendtian axiomatic reset” allows reclaiming distinctions such the one between public and private or the one between agents, artefacts and nature. That renewed perspective opens a space to shape a digital literacy, which can enable flourishing life experiences in a hyperconnected era. I shall also propose to consider policy-making, not only in terms of seeking control over the future, but also in being responsive to new meanings and providing the tools to allow agents to orient themselves in the world as it evolves and live a decent life.