Conviviality
Illich’s specific term for tools that maximize autonomous and creative intercourse among people. Not friendliness — freedom.
The Definition
Illich chose “conviviality” carefully. A convivial tool is one that:
- Can be used by anybody
- As often or as seldom as desired
- For purposes chosen by the user
- Without requiring certification or expert assistance
A bicycle is convivial. A telephone is convivial. A library is convivial. A highway system is not. A hospital is not. A school is not — because in each case, the tool has grown past the point where users control it, and now requires expert intermediaries.
The Test for AI
Is a local language model convivial? It can be used by anybody, as often as desired, for self-chosen purposes, without certification. By Illich’s criteria: yes.
Is a cloud AI service convivial? It requires an account, is subject to terms of service, can be modified or revoked by the provider, and generates data the user doesn’t control. By Illich’s criteria: no.
The same technology can be convivial or industrial depending on how it’s deployed. This is why selective technology and local-first architecture matter.
Connections
- Ivan Illich — originator
- appropriate-technology — convivial tools are appropriate tools
- selective-technology — choosing convivial over industrial
- human-scale — conviviality requires comprehensibility
- shadow-work — the cost of non-convivial tools
“Tools foster conviviality to the extent to which they can be easily used, by anybody, as often or as seldom as desired, for the accomplishment of a purpose chosen by the user.” — Illich