The Voltage of Being

Gilbert Simondon’s Prophecy of a Self Forged in Constant Tension

We are taught to think of ourselves as finished products—stable entities with fixed identities, names, and histories. But what if this entire conception is a dangerous illusion? What if you are not a static object, but a dynamic event, a continuous process of becoming, forged in the ceaseless resolution of internal and external tensions? This was the radical proposition of French philosopher Gilbert Simondon, whose work offers a chilling diagnosis of our static view of the self and a powerful alternative: to understand existence not as a state of being, but as an unending process of individuation.

The Philosophy of Becoming

Gilbert Simondon (1924–1989) was a French philosopher whose groundbreaking theories on individuation have profoundly influenced contemporary thought across various disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, and technology. His philosophy asserts that individuals are not fixed entities but dynamic processes continually shaped by the resolution of internal tensions and their relationships with their environments. This perspective is encapsulated in his seminal work, where he explores the multifaceted nature of individuation, emphasizing its biological, psychic, and collective dimensions.

Simondon’s critique of traditional phenomenological approaches distinguishes his work, as he challenges the notion of individual consciousness as the sole locus of meaning. He introduces the concept of “transindividuality,” which posits that identities are constructed through social interactions, thereby rejecting the idea of individuality as a solitary phenomenon. His emphasis on the relational aspects of being encourages a more nuanced understanding of identity, wherein individuals and technical objects alike are seen as part of a broader, interconnected process of becoming.

Despite initial obscurity, Simondon’s ideas have gained renewed attention in contemporary philosophical discourse, particularly through their adoption by thinkers like Gilles Deleuze. His insights into the dynamic nature of existence resonate with current discussions about identity, technology, and societal structures, emphasizing that understanding individuality requires acknowledging the ongoing interplay between beings and their environments. Notably, Simondon’s work has spurred debates about the implications of his philosophy for social identity, agency, and the nature of technology, making his contributions both relevant and controversial in today’s intellectual landscape.

Simondon’s philosophical legacy is characterized by an innovative approach to understanding existence as a continuous and relational process. His concepts invite critical examination of how identities form, evolve, and interact with the world, fostering a richer appreciation for the complexities of being in an interconnected reality.

Background

Gilbert Simondon, a prominent mid-20th-century French philosopher, introduced a distinctive perspective on the nature of being and individuation. His philosophy posits that individuals are not fixed entities but dynamic processes characterized by continuous resolution of internal tensions and differentiation. This conception is deeply rooted in his exploration of “informational ontology,” which focuses on the roles of information and form in the development of individuals and collectives.

Simondon’s seminal work, completed in 1958, emphasizes that individuation occurs not only at the biological level but also involves psychic and collective dimensions. His ideas were significantly influenced by the understanding that reality is a series of processes rather than static states. He argued that, similar to a color spectrum that illustrates qualitative multiplicity, individuals exist in a state of constant change, influenced by their relationships with environments and other beings.

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.

Heraclitus

Furthermore, Simondon critiques phenomenological approaches that tend to focus on individual consciousness and sense-making. Instead, he highlights the importance of the relations and interactions between organisms and their milieus, suggesting that “sense” arises from these communicative processes rather than being an inherent characteristic of individuals. His notion of “transindividuality” encapsulates the idea that social relations and identity are shaped through interactions, thereby challenging the traditional view of individuality as a solitary phenomenon.

Key Concepts

Individuation

Individuation is a central concept in Simondon’s philosophy, describing the dynamic process through which entities emerge as unique individuals within their associated milieu or environment. This process involves the resolution of tensions or potentials between the entity and its surroundings, indicating that individuation is never complete but an ongoing activity. It underscores that beings are in a constant state of becoming, reflecting a relational aspect where the technical object achieves individuation through establishing reciprocal relationships with its environment.

Simondon posits that individuals do not exist as fixed entities but rather engage in perpetual individuation, characterized by the active performance of living beings as they navigate and integrate disparate elements of their environment. The individual, therefore, is understood not as a mere product of a singular event but as part of a larger ontogenetic framework, occupying only a phase in the continuum of being that includes a preceding pre-individual state. This perspective emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the interplay between individuals and their environments as integral to understanding both existence and development.

Technical Objects and Cultural Phenomena

Simondon extends the concept of individuation to technical objects, suggesting that these objects must be regarded as part of a cultural phenomenon. He argues that technical objects should integrate with the society of philosophical objects, existing on the same ontological plane. This approach necessitates a “promotion” of the technical object, whereby its intrinsic nature is examined beyond mere utility, allowing for a deeper