<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Based on Clausius’ phrasing of a “transformational content” and the resulting 2nd law of thermodynamics, I demonstrated that Gilbert Simondon’s <italic>On the Mode of Existence of Technical Objects</italic> is historically situated at the threshold of understanding open systems thermodynamics and the related concepts of balance. Furthermore, I showed that Gestalt theory, as represented by Wolfgang Köhler, at least reproduced, if not partially anticipated or even prepared this development of 20<sup>th</sup> century thinking. Finally, I gave some short examples of how Simondon applied the figure/ground distinction to human perception, memory, and a general theory of becoming and I introduced his proposal to analyse “the grounds” just as thoroughly as the laws of figuration.</p></abstract>

Based on Clausius’ phrasing of a “transformational content” and the resulting 2nd law of thermodynamics, I demonstrated that Gilbert Simondon’s On the Mode of Existence of Technical Objects is historically situated at the threshold of understanding open systems thermodynamics and the related concepts of balance. Furthermore, I showed that Gestalt theory, as represented by Wolfgang Köhler, at least reproduced, if not partially anticipated or even prepared this development of 20th century thinking. Finally, I gave some short examples of how Simondon applied the figure/ground distinction to human perception, memory, and a general theory of becoming and I introduced his proposal to analyse “the grounds” just as thoroughly as the laws of figuration.

Figure, Ground and the Notion of Equilibria in the Work of Gilbert Simondon and Gestalt theory

Gestalt Theory

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Based on Clausius’ phrasing of a “transformational content” and the resulting 2nd law of thermodynamics, I demonstrated that Gilbert Simondon’s On the Mode of...

Figure, Ground and the Notion of Equilibria in the Work of Gilbert Simondon and Gestalt theory

Published Online: Nov 26, 2019

Page range: 293 - 317

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gth-2019-0027

Keywords
Figure-ground distinction, thermodynamics, Gilbert Simondon, metastable equilibria, Science & Technology Studies

© 2019 Jacqueline Bellon, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Figure, Ground and the Notion of Equilibria in the Work of Gilbert Simondon and Gestalt theory

Published Online: Nov 26, 2019

Page range: 293 - 317

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/gth-2019-0027

KeywordsFigure-ground distinction, thermodynamics, Gilbert Simondon, metastable equilibria, Science & Technology Studies

© 2019 Jacqueline Bellon, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
Figure-ground distinction, thermodynamics, Gilbert Simondon, metastable equilibria, Science & Technology Studies