The symmetry principle and the concept of time in actor-network theory

Abstract. The article addresses some problems of interpreting the symmetry principle and the concept of time in actor-network theory (ANT). The relationships between human and non-human actors constitute the basis for one of the key theses in ANT, which is the principle of generalised symmetry. However, the principle of symmetry does not seem to be strictly observed in many works by ANT proponents. This is also true for relationships between heterogeneous actors, as well as for the link between space and time. A series of discussions on the role of actors and the very concept of actor in ANT can be noticed in the writings of both the main architects and followers of actor-network theory (B. Latour, J. Law, A. Mol, A. Hennion, etc.). The analysis of ANT texts suggests that, first, assumptions about relativity are partial and incomplete; second, the actors do not have an equal ontological status.

Keywords: actor, actant, network, space, time, generalised symmetry

Publication in: ukr | rus

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