“Fifth Lesson: How to implement research through actor-network theory? Actor-network theory and the challenge of investigating without ontological assumptions or methodological recommendations.” Seminar by Francisco Tirado.

From 10:30 to 13:00.

Actor-network theory is probably the most academically influential sociological proposal of the last three decades. On one hand, we observe that it has become the most strongly-accepted sociological paradigm in social sciences. Writers such as Bruno Latour or Michel Callon appear in all bibliometric indices as two of the most quoted authors in Human Sciences; far more often than classics such as Pierre Bourdieu or Anthony Giddens. On the other hand, it can also be stated that the theory has overflowed disciplinary boundaries faster and more easily than any other, extending into different areas such as psychology, economics, demography, architecture, art or political science. The theory does, however, present an enormous challenge or difficulty: implementing research. Actor-network theory is explicitly defined as a toolbox for investigating social change, and as a working perspective strongly anchored in empirical fact. Paradoxically, though, it gives no indications as to the carrying out of research. With this in mind, one of the characteristics of the theory is that: a) no special methodology is favoured for analysing it, and b) it offers no literature on methods of analysis.

The aim of this workshop is, precisely, to provide keys to understanding how research can be carried out through this theory. We will go through the types of fieldwork that can be carried out through its coordinates, as well as how to present its accounts and explanations, and how to conceptualize the action of data gathering.

Francisco Tirado is a Professor of Social Psychology at the Universidad Autònoma, Barcelona, and a founding member of GESCIT (Group for Social Studies in Science and Technology). His research focuses on three main areas: a) social studies of science and technology; b) power relations and political actions in new socio-technical contexts; and c) biopolitics and medicine. Published works include: Francisco Tirado: Los objetos y el acontecimiento. Teoría de la socialidad mínima. Barcelona: Amentia Editorial; Franciso Tirado y Miquel Domènech (Eds.): Lo social y lo virtual. Nuevas formas de control y transformación social. Barcelona. Published by UOC. Ana Gálvez y Francisco Tirado: Sociabilidad en pantalla. Barcelona. Published by UOC.