Tanja Bogusz publishes paper in journal Science & Technology StudiesOut now! Fieldwork in the AnthropoceneOn the Possibilities of Analogical Thinking between Nature and Society

27 September 2022, by CSS

Photo: T. Bogusz

CSS member Dr. habil. Tanja Bogusz has just published a paper in the journal Science & Technology Studies on "Fieldwork in the Anthropocene. On the Possibilities of Analogical Thinking between Nature and Society".

Abstract: Interdisciplinary sensitivity takes into account the epistemic upheaval of the Anthropocene. However, the still fragmented academic organization between nature and society counteracts intellectual progress. The paper explores the possibilities of enhancing collaboration between biology and sociology by providing an empirical reflection of common methodological grounds. Building on practice theory, pragmatism, science studies and sociocultural anthropology, I discuss current nature–society relationships through an ethnography of a taxonomist’s laboratory, followed up by a biodiversity expedition in Papua New Guinea. I address analogical thinking as a device for interdisciplinary collaboration through four modes of fieldwork enrollment: Ontological, disciplinary, transdisciplinary and experimental. The paper concludes with two arguments: Firstly, fieldwork could engender new knowledge in between differing epistemic cultures and, secondly, an analogical fieldwork approach based on the interrelatedness of experience, trial and cooperation facilitates promising pathways for sustainable futures of inquiry.

How to cite:  Bogusz, T. (2022) “Fieldwork in the Anthropocene: On the Possibilities of Analogical Thinking between Nature and Society”, Science & Technology Studies. doi: 10.23987/sts.111538.

You can find the paper here.