Lecture 7 What is the social anyway?

Summary

In this lecture on Actor-Network Theory (ANT), the speaker introduces the concept as a framework for understanding the social as an interplay of human and non-human actors. ANT challenges traditional views of agency and structure by advocating for a flat ontology, emphasizing the relationships and interactions within networks rather than dissecting individual elements. The speaker uses the example of the space shuttle to illustrate how complex systems operate through interconnections. Ultimately, ANT offers a provocative lens for examining the social landscape, encouraging critical engagement with ongoing debates in the fields of science and technology studies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Science and technology are socially constructed concepts, emphasizing the need to understand the social dynamics behind them.
• 📚 Actor-Network Theory (ANT) challenges traditional views of social interactions by highlighting the role of both human and non-human actors.
• 🔍 Bruno Latour, a key figure in ANT, has gained significant recognition in academia for his contributions to understanding social structures.
• 📰 ANT is influential across various disciplines, from sociology and anthropology to literature and architecture, reflecting its broad applicability.
• 💡 ANT refrains from providing definitive answers, instead prompting critical engagement with the nature of social interactions.
• ⚙️ The concept of 'actor' in ANT extends beyond humans to include non-human entities, rethinking how social interactions are viewed.
• 🔗 ANT suggests that the social is a constellation of interactions, emphasizing the importance of relationships between various elements.
• 📊 Rather than viewing society as a singular entity, ANT conceives it as a network of associations that can illuminate macro-social phenomena.
• 💬 The theory promotes an emphasis on careful description of social phenomena, allowing researchers to explore connections without preconceived categories.
• ⚖️ ANT navigates the debate between structure and agency, advocating for a 'flat ontology' that treats all actors equally in the analysis of social interactions.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lecture?

The lecture aims to introduce and explain Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and its significance in understanding the nature of the social.

Why does the lecturer describe ANT as a 'weird' concept?

The lecturer recalls their own initial confusion with ANT and acknowledges that it can seem strange at first, but emphasizes its usefulness once understood.

Who is Bruno Latour, and why is he important to ANT?

Bruno Latour is a scholar closely associated with ANT, recognized for his influential ideas in various disciplines. He gained significant recognition, even being noted as one of the most cited figures in the humanities.

What criticisms exist regarding ANT?

ANT faces criticism from positivists and some historians of science who argue against its constructivist approach. Critics like Alan Sokal and Jean Bricmont have challenged Latour's ideas in works like 'Fashionable Nonsense.'

What does Latour mean when he says ANT has little to do with its component terms?

Latour suggests that ANT is not adequately represented by the words 'actor,' 'network,' or 'theory' and that defining it negatively helps clarify its meaning.

How does ANT reframe the concept of the 'social'?

ANT reconceives the social as the sum of interactions between various types of actors, both human and non-human, rather than isolating human interactions alone.

What analogy does the lecturer use to explain the interactions in ANT?

The lecturer uses the analogy of jelly beans, where each color represents different types of entities. ANT focuses on the interactions between these entities rather than analyzing them in isolation.

What is the significance of the term 'flat ontology' in ANT?

Flat ontology refers to the idea that social relations should be viewed as a network without a hierarchical structure, emphasizing the importance of understanding interactions at all levels.

What does Latour argue about the term 'theory' in relation to ANT?

Latour claims that ANT is not a theory in the traditional sense, but rather a methodological approach that focuses on how to study social phenomena without preconceived categories.

How can ANT contribute to the study of large-scale social phenomena?

ANT allows social scientists to explore macro-social issues through local interactions, emphasizing that larger structures are produced through networks of connections and devices.