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P146


What is the past and future of actor-network theory? 
Convenors:
Andrzej Wojciech Nowak (Adam Mickiewicz University)
Christian Nold (The Open University)
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Chair:
Marianna Szczygielska (Institute of Ethnology, Czech Academy of Sciences)
Format:
Traditional Open Panel
Location:
NU-5A47
Sessions:
Friday 19 July, -
Time zone: Europe/Amsterdam

Short Abstract:

In the panel, we urge researchers to revisit the ANT case studies to determine if they show a path forward for a new way to create a transformative ANT? What if the problem with ANT has been the way it was culturally situated and how its theory, methods and empirical research were put together?

Long Abstract:

In the panel, we urge researchers to revisit some of the ANT case studies to determine if they indicate a path forward for ANT. Can we still learn from bacteria, trains, aircraft, ships, keys and atherosclerosis? With the passing of Bruno Latour, it is time to reassess ANT. This panel extends discussions from a recent special issue and extends beyond Latour to also engage with others in this area such as A. Mol, J. Law, H Verran. We invite authors to take part in a journal special issue that we plan to put together around this topic.

Instead of regarding ANT as a theory, we take John Law's recommendation seriously that ANT is a methodological toolkit for intervening and transforming the world (Law 2004) and inquire into ANT's practical accomplishments and failures. What does ANT enable and what does it foreclose? Why has ANT found it difficult to engage with political struggles and marginalisation? The answers that many have given is that ANT removes the basis for struggles based on human rights due to dissolving the human as a unique entity. Others have accused ANT of managerialism and only telling the stories of those that succeed. Have collaborations with other disciplines such as design been successful? What if the problem with ANT has been the way it was culturally situated and how its theory, methods and empirical research were put together?

Can we reassemble ANT in a new way to create a transformative ANT?

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Friday 19 July, 2024, -