“Can You Fix My Computer?” Or, Science, Technology and the Participatory Question
(led by Jentery Sayers)
Monday, March 9th, 2009,  12:00 – 1:20 pm, Communications 202

What are the potentials and limitations of nonexpert participation in science and technology? Focusing particularly on the notion of innovation, this session explores how shaping and being shaped by technologies figure into the everyday disconnects between technology professionals and nonexperts. How do these disconnects influence the diversification and democratization of science? And how is participatory technology articulated in the first place, by whom, and for whom? The readings, both of which unpack STS approaches to understanding technology and democracy, should facilitate conversations about distinguishing technology from science (if that’s possible), team expertise (or collaboration), displaced politics, and participatory technocultures.

Listen to an audio recording (mp3) of the discussion.

Readings for this session:

Martin Lengwiler, “Participatory Approaches in Science and Technology.” Science, Technology, & Human Values 33/2 (2008): 186-200.

Roel Nahuis and Harro van Lente, “Where Are the Politics? Perspectives on Democracy and Technology.” Science, Technology, & Human Values 33/5 (2008): 559-581.

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