Julie Mewes

Ethnographies of Objects in Science and Technology Studies (Download Book)

Introduction

Ethnographies of objects in science and technology studies (download book). Download the book on ethnographies of objects in Science and Technology Studies (STS). Explore insights from the 2016 Ruhr-University Bochum Summer School.

Abstract

Summer School Ruhr-University Bochum June 6th to 10th, 2016

Review

The provided title, "Ethnographies of Objects in Science and Technology Studies (Download Book)," immediately signals a highly relevant and theoretically significant contribution to the field. The focus on "ethnographies" promises rich, empirical investigations into the tangible and material dimensions of scientific and technological practices, aligning well with the enduring "material turn" in STS and the emphasis on understanding the active roles and constitution of non-human entities. Such a collection has the potential to deepen our understanding of how objects shape, are shaped by, and become indispensable actors within socio-technical systems, offering nuanced perspectives beyond purely discursive or social constructivist approaches. The explicit mention of it being a "Download Book" also suggests an accessible format, which is a commendable approach for disseminating scholarly work. However, the "abstract" provided, which merely states "Summer School Ruhr-University Bochum June 6th to 10th, 2016," is not an abstract for the book itself, but rather for the event that presumably inspired or preceded it. This poses a significant limitation for a comprehensive review, as it offers no insight into the book's specific aims, the scope of its chapters, the methodologies employed by contributors, or the key themes and arguments explored. While a summer school is an excellent incubator for cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary dialogue, the absence of an actual book abstract leaves a reviewer and prospective reader entirely in the dark regarding the concrete intellectual contributions, the particular "objects" under ethnographic scrutiny, or the theoretical interventions the collection ultimately makes. Given these constraints, the book's ultimate value hinges entirely on whether its content successfully delivers on the rich promise of its title. A strong collection stemming from such a summer school would ideally feature diverse case studies, methodological reflections on conducting ethnographies of objects, and robust theoretical engagements with concepts like agency, materiality, practice, and the construction of knowledge through interaction with the non-human. Without an actual abstract detailing these aspects, one can only infer the potential for a timely and important contribution to STS. While the conceptual framing is compelling, a more informative overview of the book's specific content is crucial for assessing its true impact and utility within the scholarly landscape.

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