Bruno Latour: Reassembling the Political (Modern European Thinkers)

Bruno Latour: Reassembling the Political (Modern European Thinkers)

Bruno Latour, the French sociologist, anthropologist and long-established superstar in the social sciences is revisited in this pioneering account of his ever-evolving political philosophy. Breaking from the traditional focus on his metaphysics, most recently seen in Harman’s book Prince of Networks, the author instead begins with the Hobbesian and even Machiavellian underpinnings of Latour’s early period encountering his shift towards Carl Schmitt then finishing with his final development into the Lippmann / Dewey debate. Harman brings these twists and turns into sharp focus in terms of Latour’s personal political thinking. Along with Latour’s most important articles on political themes, the book chooses three works as exemplary of the distinct periods in Latour’s thinking: The Pasteurization of France , Politics of Nature , and the recently published An Inquiry Into Modes of Existence , as his conception of politics evolves from a global power struggle between individuals, to the fabrication of fragile parliamentary networks, to just one mode of existence among many others. "Harman has almost unparalleled knowledge of the complexities of Latour's work; and his personal connections mean the book will be thoroughly well informed." -Stuart Elden, Durham University, UK  "Bruno Latour is one of the leading intellectuals of our times, and his influence is constantly growing. This book is guaranteed to attract attention, not just amongst philosophers" -Barbara Czarniawska, Göteborg University, Sweden 'A delightful, informative read for Latour novices and experts alike' 'With refreshing creativity, Graham Harman extracts his political project from Bruno Latour's philosophical writings. His book lucidly maps out the course that Latour's thought charts across left and right - truth and power - not because this opposition doesn't matter, but because for all their practical urgency, today's crises also present a great intellectual challenge, requiring a redefinition of the very objectives of politics' Graham Harman is Distinguished University Professor at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. He is the author of numerous books, including Tool-Being: Heidegger and the Metaphysics of Objects (2002) and Prince of Networks: Bruno Latour and Metaphysics (2009). Graham Harman is Distinguished University Professor at the American University in Cairo, Egypt. He is the author of numerous books, including Tool-Being: Heidegger and the Metaphysics of Objects (2002) and Prince of Networks: Bruno Latour and Metaphysics (2009).