Actor-Network Theory
Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is an interdisciplinary approach to the social sciences and technology studies, and closely relates to research in terms of complexity and locality, activity theory, the sociology of knowledge and systems theory. ANT was applied to Information Systems by Tatnall and Gilding in 1999, after its extensive use in geographical systems analysis continuing through its peak in the 1990's. ANT began in the 1980's in Paris as an exploration of actor-networks, and is current through to Society and Space published in 2003.
Key ideas for the discourses of Information, Complexity and Design: The ANT perspective attempts to explain and interpret social and technological evolution using neither technical-material nor social reductionism, but rather it incorporates a 'principle of generalized symmetry', that what is human and non-human should be integrated into the same conceptual framework. As a result, humans and non-humans are sometimes both referred to as 'actants.' This central tenet has raised concerns about human agency and identity, the ideas of volunteerism and determinism, as well as to whom (which scientists) would fall the task of discovering, interpreting and defining the parameters of vast networks of people and things. In addition, ANT attempts to dissolve the micro-/macro- distinction which it asserts as historically problematic in social theory.
Controversial applications and provocations caused by the ANT movement of thinkers led Bruno Latour somewhat famously to note that there are four things wrong with Actor-Network Theory: the words 'Actor,' 'Network,' 'Theory,' and the hyphen! He then went on in the speech to (re-)define those terms, and to situate them within a discourse that he had himself helped to create. The 1997 workshop was titled: 'Actor Network and After.'
Key figures in ANT include: B. Latour, M. Callon, J. Law, M. Lynch, S. Woolgar, and S.L. Star.
Web Resources On Actor-Network Theory
Actor-Network Theory
The Actor Network Resource, Lancaster University
John Law - "Notes on the Theory of the Actor Network: Ordering Strategy and Heterogeneity"
Book Resources On Actor-Network TheoryActor Network Theory and After by John Law and John Hassard (eds)
Aramis, or the Love of Technology by Bruno Latour
Science in Action: How to Follow Scientists and Engineers Through Society by Bruno Latour
Editor(s): Greg Sandstrom
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