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CP440


Postphenomenology: Practical Applications 
Convenor:
Kirk Besmer (Gonzaga University)
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Chair:
Kirk Besmer (Gonzaga University)
Discussants:
Robert Rosenberger (Georgia Institute of Technology)
Galit Wellner (Holon Institute of Technology (HIT))
Lars Botin (Aalborg University)
Ryan Wittingslow (University of Groningen)
Ralf Cox (University of Groningen)
Format:
Closed Panel
Location:
Aurora, main building
Sessions:
Tuesday 16 July, -
Time zone: Europe/Amsterdam

Short Abstract:

Postphenomenology is a methodological approach that investigates how technologies mediate human experiences and practices. Each paper in this panel seeks to extend the conceptual resources of postphenomenology to address novel and emerging technological practices that are important to STS scholars.

Long Abstract:

Postphenomenoloy is a methodological approach that seeks to understand human-technology relations by analyzing the multiple ways that technologies mediate human experiences and practices. It has been involved with 4S for years, mainly because its analyses, concepts, and method overlap with and complement core STS theories. Although it is known for descriptively rich ‘case studies’ of technologies in use, postphenomenology also provides resources to conceptualize the ways in which novel technologies are being taken up in emerging practices. Such conceptualizations often involve extending – or transforming – postphenomenology itself in interesting ways. The four papers of this panel use a postphenomenological approach to conceptualize emerging human-technology practices. AI is transforming many areas of human activity; creative human work is no exception. Ryan Mitchell Wittingslow and Ralf Cox argue that rather than beginning from human-centered notions such as ‘intentionality’ to understand AI art and creativity, we ought to see AI as collaborators in art creation rather than replacements for artists. A central challenge with taking a risk-based approach to AI regulation is that AI development is faster than regulatory processes. New risks emerge even before regulations addressing previous risks are settled. Beginning from a postphenomenological perspective, Galit Wellner seeks to offer a methodology for mapping AI risks to be addressed by future regulation. Turning his attention to postphenomenology itself, Robert Rosenberger, argues that insights from feminist standpoint theory are indispensable to STS generally and postphenomenology in particular; he demonstrates this with examples from ‘hostile’ urban design. Finally, Lars Botin looks at the integration of the Arts in STEM programs at major US technical universities (Stanford, MIT, and Harvard). This new educational paradigm presents specific challenges to the traditional STEM paradigm of education. Botin argues that postphenomenology provides a privileged perspective to bridge differences between these two educational paradigms.

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Tuesday 16 July, 2024, -