Bruno Latour is among the most important figures in contemporary
philosophy and social science. His ethnographic studies have
revolutionized our understanding of areas as diverse as science, law,
politics and religion. To facilitate a more realistic understanding of
the world, Latour has introduced a radically fresh philosophical
terminology and a new approach to social science, 'Actor-Network
Theory'.
In seminal works such as Laboratory Life, We Have Never Been Modern and
An Inquiry into Modes of Existence, Latour has outlined an alternative
to the foundational categories of 'modern' western thought Ð
particularly its distinction between society and nature Ð that has major
consequences for our understanding of the ecological crisis and of the
role of science in democratic societies.
Latour's 'empirical philosophy' has evolved considerably over the past
four decades. In this lucid and compelling book, Gerard de Vries
provides one of the first overviews of Latour's work. He guides readers
through Latour's main publications, from his early ethnographies to his
more recent philosophical works, showing with considerable skill how
Latour's ideas have developed.
This book will be of great value to students and scholars attempting to
come to terms with the immense challenge posed by Latour's thought. It
will be of interest to those studying philosophy, anthropology,
sociology, science and technology studies, and almost all other branches
of the social sciences and humanities.
