Technology, individuals, nature, society and democracy (TINS-D) repeatedly form powerful reciprocal relations that create something new and allow old ideals to fade away. These constellations must be both analyzed and democratized.
The constellation of technology, individuals, nature, society and democracy (TINS-D) consists of five interconnected coordinates. Democracy is placed in the middle in order to determine the democratic content of any decision as well as the decision-making processes with regard to TINS. At the same time, this allows for the clarification of a normative standpoint which aims to democratize the reciprocal relations of TINS. The TINS-D constellation allows for the analysis of both individual coordinates and their interrelationships.
The movement of every person usually begins on their hands and knees, followed by on their own feet, and remains that way for thousands of years. An individual’s radius of displacement was thus limited to one's own willingness and ability to walk. The domestication of animals as a means of transportation brought with it the expansion of one’s radius of displacement, albeit only for a small group of people. However, the invention and spread of the automobile during the 20th century in Europe made long-distance mobility part of everyday life for the majority of the population. Mobility was democratized. The downside is extensive and permanent interventions with the natural world; people may be able to get to a faraway place more quickly, but they often only stay there for a short time. The analysis shows that in the case of mobility, the individual coordinates of the
TINS-D Constellation
are strongly related and increasingly lead toward an automotive consensus to which all democratic decision-making is subordinated.
The question is not whether or not mankind is farming, but how it is being done and with what aim. Throughout the history of mankind, there have always been sustainable forms of agriculture that have been self-sufficient for thousands of years - right up until the present day. Similarly, there are also enough historical examples showing the overuse of agriculturally viable land, which in some cases led to a complete collapse of agriculture at this location within a few decades. An increasing trend in mechanization and industrialization of modern agriculture will allow for higher yields in the short term, but will be impracticable in the long term due to the permanent leaching out, compaction, poisoning and devastation of the soil. Moreover, high yields are not currently being used to feed all people equally; rather, there is a global abundance of luxury goods such as meat to a small number of individuals at the expense of many. A sufficient food supply is a prerequisite of central importance for democratic participation. The analysis of the
TINS-D Constellation
shows that, despite all the mechanization, we overuse natural resources and there is no global social justice with regard to food.
Shoot the round thing into the square thing, is the most basic description of the objective of football. However, football has long ceased to be a simple game for the fun and enjoyment of both the players and spectators. The ever-increasing commercialization of football has resulted in a comprehensive mechanization of the sport. Goal line and video replay technology are still only found in the upper echelons of football, but even in the lower leagues, scientific and technical methods are used to optimize training plans for individual players as well as to record their running paths throughout the game. To be able to keep up this deathly pace, athletes inject painkillers to counteract their chronic pain, while many of their spectators sit in front of their television sets and suffer from a lack of physical activity. In order for this whole system to run smoothly, countless people volunteer as gearholders, youth coaches, referees as well as in the various committees at district, state and national level. The analysis of football using the
TINS-D Constellation
shows that the only hope for a different future for the sport lies in ensuring a democratic constitution.