New materialism

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New materialism is a term which refers to several theoretical perspectives within contemporary philosophy that attempt to rework the conventional ontological understanding of the material world. While many philosophical tendencies are associated with new materialism, in such a way that the movement resists a single definition, its common characteristics include a rejection of essentialism, representationalism, and anthropocentrism as well as the dualistic boundaries between nature/culture; subject/object; and human/non-human. [1] Instead, new materialists emphasize how fixed entities and apparently closed systems are produced through dynamic relations and processes, considering the distribution of agency through the interaction of heterogeneous forces. [2] The movement has influenced a wide variety of new articulations between intellectual currents in science and philosophy, in fields such as science and technology studies, as well as systems science.

Contents

Origin

The term was independently coined by Manuel DeLanda and Rosi Braidotti during the second half of the 1990s to identify an emerging body of interdisciplinary theory that sought to overcome the post-structuralist emphasis on discourse, while drawing on the work of Gilles Deleuze, Félix Guattari, and Gilbert Simondon in seeking to establish a materialist ontology that prioritizes processes of individuation. [3]

Reception

As of 2024, new materialism has been well-received in a wide range of disciplines in contemporary academia, from environmental studies to philosophy. Frequently referenced works include Karen Barad's Meeting the Universe Halfway [4] and Jane Bennett's Vibrant Matter [5] . New Materialists emphasise how Cartesian binaries around human and nature have caused many issues in the world by ignoring social complexity. [6] New materialism been championed for its more integrated approach that considers material and immaterial, biological, and social aspects as interconnected processes rather than distinct entities. [6]

Criticism

Ecologist Andreas Malm has called New Materialism 'idealism of the most useless sort', stating that the approach has little use for climate action or changing our relationship with nature, since it denies distinctions between humanity and nature. Malm argues that this supports the status quo rather than challenging it. [7] He also expresses frustration with the writing style of many New Materialists, claiming that they resist distinctions between things, making their writing impenetrable. [7]

Associated theorists

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Tuin, Rick Dolphijn and Iris van der (2012). "New Materialism: Interviews & Cartographies". New Metaphysics. doi:10.3998/ohp.11515701.0001.001.
  2. ↑ "New Materialism". obo. Retrieved 2025-01-23.
  3. ↑ Tuin & Dolphijn 2012, p. 96.
  4. ↑ Barad, Karen (2007). Meeting the universe halfway: quantum physics and the entanglement of matter and meaning. Durham London: Duke University Press. ISBN   978-0-8223-3917-5.
  5. ↑ Bennett, Jane (2010). Vibrant matter: a political ecology of things. A John Hope Franklin Center book. Durham London: Duke University Press. ISBN   978-0-8223-4619-7.
  6. 1 2 Höppner, Grit (2017-09-13). "Rethinking Socialization Research through the Lens of New Materialism". Frontiers in Sociology. 2. doi: 10.3389/fsoc.2017.00013 . ISSN   2297-7775.
  7. 1 2 Malm, Andreas (2020). The progress of this storm: nature and society in a warming world (Paperback first published ed.). London Brooklyn, NY: Verso. ISBN   978-1-78873-940-5.

Bibliography

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