Contribution to collective works (Parts of books)
On Reflections and Reflexivity: Unpacking Research Dispositifs
Thoreau, François
2011In Zülsdorf, Torben; Coenen, Christopher; Ferrari, Arianna et al. (Eds.) Quantum Engagements: Social Reflections of Nanoscience and Emerging Technologies
 

Files


Full Text
Thoreau (2011)_On reflection and reflexivity.pdf
Author postprint (290.02 kB)
Download

All documents in ORBi are protected by a user license.

Send to



Details



Keywords :
reflexivity; Nanotechnologies; engagement
Abstract :
[en] Abstract. Science and Technology Studies (STS) scholars increasingly engage with science and technology (S&T) practitioners, scientists, engineers, and the like. The actual dynamics of these engagements differ from one project, framework or school to the next. However, to be reflexive, such engagements need at some point to deal with the ambiguous relationship between ‘engager’ and ‘engaged’. In an attempt to disambiguate these interactive ties, this chapter takes inspiration from Vinciane Despret, a philosopher of science who has provided ethnographic studies of ethologists. It specifically draws on two of Despret’s arguments about experiments on animals, more precisely rats, and the paradoxical relationships to which they give rise. By means of analogy, it then illustrates the similar ways in which we, as STS scholars, might happen to frame our interactions with S&T practitioners. It argues that any experimental research dispositif necessarily implies a specific relationship dynamic with whoever is engaged. This should not be considered as an obstacle, but instead an opportunity for learning—yet only if the dispositif is open to protest. The analysis here took shape during an engagement study conducted at a large-scale R&D center in Flanders, Belgium. It is informed by ongoing involvement in a broader research project (STIR) that aims at fostering reflexivity among S&T practitioners.
Research center :
Spiral - STS
Disciplines :
Philosophy & ethics
Author, co-author :
Thoreau, François  ;  Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de science politique > Gouvernance et société
Language :
English
Title :
On Reflections and Reflexivity: Unpacking Research Dispositifs
Alternative titles :
[en] À propos des réflexions et de la réflexivité: problématiser les dispositifs de recherche
Publication date :
2011
Main work title :
Quantum Engagements: Social Reflections of Nanoscience and Emerging Technologies
Main work alternative title :
[fr] Engagements quantiques: réflexions sociales sur les nanosciences et les technologies émergentes
Editor :
Zülsdorf, Torben
Coenen, Christopher
Ferrari, Arianna
Fiedeler, Ulrich
Milburn, Colin
Wienroth, Matthias
Publisher :
IOS Press, Heidelberg, Germany
ISBN/EAN :
978-1-60750-953-0
Pages :
217-234
Funders :
F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique [BE]
Available on ORBi :
since 11 November 2011

Statistics


Number of views
224 (11 by ULiège)
Number of downloads
450 (3 by ULiège)

Bibliography


Similar publications



Contact ORBi