Interpreting Networks: Hermeneutics, Actor-Network Theory, and New Media

Description

This book brings together hermeneutics, actor-network theory, and new media to formulate a theory of a global network society. Hermeneutics reopens the question of unity in a fragmented world, actor-network theory reinterprets the construction of meaning as networking, and new media studies show how networking is done. Networks arise, are maintained, and are transformed by communicative actions that constitute a social operating system offering an alternative to the algorithmic logic, functionality, and systemic closure dominating solutions to problems of overcomplexity. In the social operating system's world, filters and layers replace space and time as parameters of knowing and acting. Ultimately, this book proposes a theory for a global network society based on concepts that differ from those typical of Western modernity. cover Interpreting Networks Contents Introduction 1. Hermeneutics And we can’t whistle it either! Getting into the Circle in the Right Way The Autonomy of the Text Knowing is Doing Relativism and Critique 2. Actor-Networks Is ANT a Network Science? On Systems, Complexity, Cybernetic Machines, and Networks What is a System? Ecology: System or Network? Observing Networks Distributed Agency—Mediators and Intermediaries Ethnology of the Moderns Circulating Reference and Immutable Mobiles Social Space is Flat Translation 3. New Media Media Studies What are New Media? Mixed Reality Layers and Filters The Social Operating System Network Pragmatics Connectivity Flow Communication Private and Public Mass Media and Representation The Socio-Sphere The Collective Transparency Participation Authenticity Flexibility Conclusion Bibliography