Between September 2023 and January 2024, the Reading Group “Science, Technology and Environment“, a joint initiative between the Laboratory of Social Transformations of the Universidad Diego Portales and the Centre for Studies in Science, Technology and Society (CECTS) of the Universidad Alberto Hurtado and coordinated by Tomas Ariztia and Tomas Undurraga, was held. This space sought to bring together diverse academics and postgraduate researchers interested in exploring the complex links between science, technology and the environment.
During this first cycle, the participants tackled five fundamental books for interdisciplinary reflection. Among the works read were Frictions by Anna Tsing, Engineering Vulnerability by Sarah Vaughn, Engineering the Climate by Julia Schubert, Where Am I? by Bruno Latour, and Rule of Experts by Timothy Mitchell. Through face-to-face sessions, the group critically analysed how these works influence our understanding of contemporary ecological challenges and how science and technology become key spaces for addressing the paradoxes and complexities of planetary survival.
The reading group began on 15 September at the Universidad Alberto Hurtado, with a discussion on An Ethnography of Global Connection (Anna Tsing), led by academic Tomás Undurraga. Throughout the following meetings, topics such as climate adaptation were explored in Engineering Vulnerability. In Pursuit of Climate Adaptation (Sarah Vaughn), and visions of climate control in Engineering the Climate. Science, Politics, and Visions of Control (Julia Schubert) in sessions led by Tomás Ariztía and Francisco Salinas on 12 October and 17 November, respectively.
The reading cycle continued on 12 December with Where am I? A guide to inhabiting the planet (Bruno Latour) with Pablo Celis as guide, and concluded on 11 January 2024 with a collective discussion on Rule of Experts. Egypt, Techno-Politics, Modernity by Timothy Mitchell, at the Universidad Alberto Hurtado.
Sponsored by Fondecyt Regular N°1230300 and 1230291; Fondecyt Postdoctoral N°3230083.