0x thing is an experimental endeavour into blockchain, OOO and memetics. Our aim is to develop a theoretical and practical framework based on the idea of an onchain ontography and computational memetics.
We consider the current state of blockchains as an opportunity to reformulate how computational dynamics, algorithms and networks can serve as tools for memetical research and metaphysical inquiry. We think that speculative realism and specially Object-Oriented Ontology can be related to memetics, and the blockchain can serve not only as a bridge but as a computational playground for both disciplines to converge. Both OOO and memetics are kind of left down sciences, niche spaces, more criticized than developed, at least in terms of collective polyphony. We aim to change that by integrating technology into the philosophical process.
We follow Ian Bogost ideas around Harman’s carpenter as an engineer and also his ideas around programing and videogames as relevant for phenomenological development. We are also informed by Peter Wolfendale’s critique of OOO as well as OOF takes, Harman’s skirmishes and Morton’s developments. We don’t see OOO as a doctrine but as a manual. It’s technical metaphysics, realist magic, to use Morton’s words.
We are also aware of Morton’s dislike of crypto, but we are also in tune with that. We condemn Bitcoin’s environmental disaster, we are aware of the neoliberal hegemony of crypto bro culture, we are also conscious of how institutionalized crypto is. But we’re also on the agorist side, considering crypto anarchy and descentralization/privatization/auditing of networks as pillars.