Overview

""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."" ""Nail's view of the object can be characterized as ""change is the only constant"" (to quote those who have gone before). Nail (Univ. of Denver) sets out to convince readers that reality is not a stable essentialist subject/object dichotomy but rather a materialist process of kinetic historical progression. (...) That said, Nail's writing style is generally approachable, so even readers not drawn to academic philosophy of science might find this an interesting read.""

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9781474487924

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Reviews

"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 destabilizing foundations Nail's kinesis and process history provokes fascinating quandaries and speculative possibilities.--Vicki Kirby, University of New South Wales Nail's view of the object can be characterized as ""change is the only constant"" (to quote those who have gone before). Nail (Univ. of Denver) sets out to convince readers that reality is not a stable essentialist subject/object dichotomy but rather a materialist process of kinetic historical progression. (...) That said, Nail's writing style is generally approachable, so even readers not drawn to academic philosophy of science might find this an interesting read.--J. Gough ""CHOICE"" This book can act as a bridge that will create understanding between a wide variety of scientific practice, as all of us can connect to the material processes Nail describes. Something that, admittedly, most of the research I engage and compare his writing to, will not.--Milan Kroul�k ""MATTER"""

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 destabilizing foundations Nail's kinesis and process history provokes fascinating quandaries and speculative possibilities.--Vicki Kirby, University of New South Wales Nail's view of the object can be characterized as ""change is the only constant"" (to quote those who have gone before). Nail (Univ. of Denver) sets out to convince readers that reality is not a stable essentialist subject/object dichotomy but rather a materialist process of kinetic historical progression. (...) That said, Nail's writing style is generally approachable, so even readers not drawn to academic philosophy of science might find this an interesting read.--J. Gough ""CHOICE"" This book can act as a bridge that will create understanding between a wide variety of scientific practice, as all of us can connect to the material processes Nail describes. Something that, admittedly, most of the research I engage and compare his writing to, will not.--Milan Kroulík ""MATTER""

Author Information

Thomas Nail, Professor of Philosophy, University of Denver.

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