Technical Cannibalism as a Technical and Philosophical Phenomenon

The issues related to such a multifunctional phenomenon for man-made society as technical cannibalism are considered. Technical cannibalism is analyzed both in the historical aspect and within the framework of the discourse between reductionist and holistic approaches. Technical cannibalism as a phenomenon is a construct in which the interaction and merging of many factors, which are both directly related to technology and technique (“Technics”), and influential with respect to the scientific and technological progress in general. These are social, economic factors, and –as seen in the last few decades – the factors related to changes in the environmental situation and many others. The article attempts to consider this complex set of interactions and mutual influences in both historical and technical and social aspects. The positive aspects of technical cannibalism in technical creativity and restoration work are revealed. It is shown that technical and technological activities have led to a change in the perception of attitudes towards objects and structures that are created by the secondary use of certain parts and materials, and this process itself can result not only in the deterioration (pollution) of the environment, but also in its improvement.