23–26 Sept 2024
Leipzig, Germany
Europe/Berlin timezone
Welcome to the 2024 T2M Conference – we hope you find the sessions inspiring and the connections invaluable.

Techno-cannibalism or how to eat a Trolleybus. An Introduction

24 Sept 2024, 09:45
15m
716 (Lancaster University Leipzig)

716

Lancaster University Leipzig

Speaker

Lyubomir Pozharliev (Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography)

Description

This essay introduces the concept of "techno-cannibalism," a metaphor used to describe the practice of cannibalizing parts from one machine to repair another. It explores the potential of the concept through the examples of trolleybus cannibalization in Bulgaria and other former socialist countries with trolleybus networks. It is based on anecdotes, personal encounters and visual material.

The essay examines the various motivations for techno-cannibalism, including economic frugality, environmental concerns, and ideological desire to prolong the lifespan of a machine. The author argues that techno-cannibalism is a complex phenomenon with ethical, cultural, ecological, and philosophical implications.

The essay concludes by discussing the possible consequences of techno-cannibalism, such as the creation of "machine cemeteries" and the never-ending cycle of cannibalization. Finally, some examples of the benefits of this practice, such as conserving resources and extending the life of machines, are given.

Primary author

Lyubomir Pozharliev (Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography)

Presentation materials

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