Bruno Latour

Definition

Bruno Latour is a French sociologist and anthropologist known for his work in Science and Technology Studies (STS). He challenges the traditional distinctions between science and society, emphasizing how scientific knowledge is constructed through networks of relationships among people, technologies, and institutions. His ideas are particularly relevant in understanding digital storytelling and online folklore, as they highlight how narratives are formed and disseminated in the digital age.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Latour's work suggests that knowledge is not simply discovered but constructed through various social interactions and practices.
2. He critiques the notion of 'pure science,' arguing that scientific facts are shaped by their contexts, including political and economic influences.
3. His book 'We Have Never Been Modern' argues against the separation of nature and culture, proposing a more integrated view of society.
4. Latour’s insights into the circulation of stories in digital environments reveal how online folklore evolves through user interactions and technology.
5. He emphasizes the role of technology in shaping narratives, suggesting that the medium of storytelling affects the content and its reception.

Review Questions

• How does Bruno Latour's Actor-Network Theory enhance our understanding of digital storytelling?
  • Bruno Latour's Actor-Network Theory highlights that both human and non-human actors influence how stories are created and shared in digital contexts. By recognizing that technologies like social media platforms play an active role in shaping narratives, we can better understand how online folklore emerges. This perspective encourages us to see storytelling as a dynamic process involving various actors interacting within networks, rather than just isolated individual expressions.
• In what ways does Latour’s view on the social construction of technology relate to online folklore?
  • Latour's view on the social construction of technology indicates that online folklore is influenced by cultural practices, social interactions, and technological affordances. Digital platforms are not neutral; they shape how stories are told, shared, and interpreted. By considering the context in which online folklore exists, we see that these narratives are not merely reflections of individual creativity but are co-constructed through technological mediation and community engagement.
• Evaluate how Latour's critiques of traditional science can inform our understanding of authenticity in digital folklore.
  • Latour’s critiques challenge the idea that authenticity in digital folklore can be easily defined or measured. Since he argues that knowledge is socially constructed, we must recognize that what is deemed 'authentic' in online narratives often results from complex negotiations among various actors. This perspective urges us to appreciate the fluidity of stories shared online, acknowledging that their meanings are continually shaped by interactions within digital communities rather than fixed definitions or origins.

Related terms

Actor-Network Theory: A theoretical framework developed by Latour that emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and non-human actors in the production of knowledge and social reality.

Social Construction of Technology: The theory that technology development is shaped by social, economic, and cultural factors, rather than being solely driven by technical considerations.

Science and Technology Studies (STS): An interdisciplinary field that examines how social, political, and cultural values affect scientific research and technological innovation.