Materiality and the Challenge of the Nonhuman

The materiality research theme looks at what it means to think consistently through both the human and the nonhuman dimensions of our collective lives. 

This involves grappling with the empirical aspects of studying all kinds of objects, and pushing the theoretical issues that arise when we multiply the 'things' which can make a difference.  There are four main areas of research. First, the political and ethical aspects of co-existing with nonhuman others - with a special focus on biosecurities (Nick Bingham, John Allen). Second, the diverse temporalities of the more-than-human, including issues of inheritance, emergence, and discontinuity (Kevin Hetherington, Nigel Clark, George Revill). Third, questions of power and agency associated with the spatial mobility of bodies and objects (Parvati Raghuram, John Allen, Michael Pryke, Helen Yanacopolos). And fourth, the philosophical concerns raised by extending agency or affectivity beyond human subjects (Clive Barnett, Steve Pile, Nigel Clark, Nick Bingham).

Contact: Nick Bingham or Nigel Clark