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Luddism: Epistemological and Political

Sat, September 7, 9:45 to 11:15am, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, Floor: Five, Grand Ballroom E

Abstract

STS research has traditionally focused on innovation processes—and more recently maintenance—leaving practices of technological dismantling, decommissioning, and refusal under examined and less deeply theorized. This is inspite of the fact that contemporary forms of Luddism are highly visible. Ordinary citizens consciously taking a break from digital devices, demolition of urban infrastructures like elevated highways or trolley systems, opting out of mandated state testing, and Silicon Valley “disruption” efforts that aim to dismantle an already existing sociotechnical system and replace it with a networked platform under a startup’s control. How could (or should) STS scholars make sense of these seemingly disparate Luddite activities?

This panel builds on recent scholarship on the interrelations between Luddism as epistemology—a process of learning about technologies as legislations—and as politics—an effort to materially realize a certain vision of the good society. Desirable presentations include ones that draw connections between and contrast contemporary and past movements aspiring to dismantle certain technologies, theorize and elucidate the epistemological dimensions of Luddite politics, discern and examine the barriers to democratizing Luddism, and imagine and propose how technological destruction can proceed in an intelligent and just matter. In exploring deeper theorizations and research on technological dismantling, decommissioning, and refusal, this panel also seeks constructive critiques of epistemological and political Luddism: How to ensure that dismantling is an ethically just political project and protect against the reactionary instantiations that are often associated with 20th century neo-Luddites?

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