Theory of the Object

Throughout the history of science and technology, objects have been understood in many ways but rarely have they been understood to play an active role in the production of knowledge. This has led to largely anthropocentric theories and histories of science, which treat nature as passive objects viewed by independent observers. Thomas Nail approaches the theory of objects historically in order to tell a completely new story in which objects themselves are the true agents of scientific knowledge. They are processes, not things. It is the first history of science and technology, from prehistory to the present, to illuminate the agency, knowledge and mobility of objects.
From the Back Cover
‘Nail’s inter-disciplinary command skilfully navigates debates about the nature of reality across the humanities, mathematics and the sciences. We learn that objects are indeterminate, and objectivity, observation and even anthropocentrism are not what they seem. By destabilising foundations Nail’s kinesis and process history provokes fascinating quandaries and speculative possibilities.’ Vicki Kirby, University of New South Wales ‘We live in an age of objects’ Thomas Nail approaches the theory of objects historically in order to tell a completely new story in which objects themselves are the true agents of scientific knowledge. They are processes, not things. This is the first history of science and technology, from prehistory to the present, illuminating the agency, knowledge and mobility of objects. Thomas Nail is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Denver. He is the author of ten books, including Lucretius I, II, and III, The Figure of the Migrant, and Being and Motion. Cover image: © iStockphoto.com Cover design: riverdesignbooks.com [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN 978-1-4744-8792-4 [PPC] ISBN 978-1-4744-8793-1 [cover] Barcode