Minor grip: on the constitution of morality, agency and affectivity with technology

Bakhtiar, Siavash (2018) Minor grip: on the constitution of morality, agency and affectivity with technology. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

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Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to establish a conversation between Bruno Latour and the work of contemporary philosophers and critical theorists in order to develop their respective approaches to articulate a critical theory about technology. To analyse these different perspectives, the thesis follows a conceptual framework based on what Latour calls the “principle of symmetry” between human and non-humans actants that take part in the constitution of what we call society. Through focusing on different “thing theories,” the thesis works to recuperate some of these concepts and practices to enrich my own conceptual toolbox. Each chapter focuses on a particular case study – the revolving door, the Automated Public Toilet, barbed wire and the smartphone – that gives me the ground where I put at test these different perspectives to see if they can be good theoretical allies to give more space in critical theory for what Latour calls its “missing masses.”

Item Type: Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors: Potts, Tracey
Mansell, James
Keywords: technology, philosophy, bruno latour, theory
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
T Technology > T Technology (General)
Faculties/Schools: UK Campuses > Faculty of Arts > School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies
Item ID: 52177
Depositing User: Bakhtiar, Siavash
Date Deposited: 15 Oct 2018 04:40
Last Modified: 15 Oct 2020 04:30
URI: https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/52177

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