Scale Theory: A Nondisciplinary Inquiry

Description

A pioneering call for a new understanding of scale across the humanities How is it possible that you are—simultaneously—cells, atoms, a body, quarks, a component in an ecological network, a moment in the thermodynamic dispersal of the sun, and an element in the gravitational whirl of galaxies? In this way, we routinely transform reality into things already outside of direct human experience, things we hardly comprehend even as we speak of DNA, climate effects, toxic molecules, and viruses. How do we find ourselves with these disorienting layers of scale? Enter Scale Theory, which provides a foundational theory of scale that explains how scale works, the parameters of scalar thinking, and how scale refigures reality—that teaches us how to think in terms of scale, no matter where our interests may lie.  Joshua DiCaglio takes us on a fascinating journey through six thought experiments that provide clarifying yet provocative definitions for scale and new ways of thinking about classic concepts ranging from unity to identity. Because our worldviews and philosophies are largely built on nonscalar experience, he then takes us slowly through the ways scale challenges and reconfigures objects, subjects, and relations.  Scale Theory is, in a sense, nondisciplinary—weaving together a dizzying array of sciences (from nanoscience to ecology) with discussions from the humanities (from philosophy to rhetoric). In the process, a curious pattern emerges: attempts to face the significance of scale inevitably enter terrain closer to mysticism than science. Rather than dismiss this connection, DiCaglio examines the reasons for it, redefining mysticism in terms of scale and integrating contemplative philosophies into the discussion. The result is a powerful account of the implications and challenges of scale, attuned to the way scale transforms both reality and ourselves. Cover Page Title Page Copyright Page Contents Introduction: Learning to Scale Part I: Algorithms for a Theory of Scale Chapter 1. Distance and Resolution: The First Experiential Origin of Scale Chapter 2. Measurement and Perspective: The Second Experiential Origin of Scale Chapter 3. Scope and Accumulation: The Third Experiential Origin of Scale Chapter 4. To the Bottom: The First Thought Experiment in Scale Chapter 5. From the Top: The Second Thought Experiment in Scale Chapter 6. In the Scalar Simulation: The Third Thought Experiment in Scale Part II: Configurations for a Theory of Scale Chapter 7. In-formations of the Whole: Scalar Configurations of Objects Chapter 8. I Am the Transhuman Cosmos: Scalar Configurations of Subjects Chapter 9. Cutting and Claiming Everything: Scalar Configurations of Relations Part III: Rhetorical Technologies for a Theory of Scale Chapter 10. Mapping the Vast Unknowing: The Science of Scale, the Scale of Science Chapter 11. The Cosmos Seeing Itself: Representations of Scale, Scales of Representation Chapter 12. Transformations by Involution: The Contemplative Practices of Scale, Scaling Contemplation Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index About the Author