Answer Key T2

F399 2017

Evaluation criteria includes explication with clarity and illustration.

1.1. An outcome of laboratory studies is the notion of indexicality. It corresponds

to scientific reasoning and actions connected to local circumstances. For
example conversations, negotiations etc. among researchers which determine
and shape, what is being looked at, what is being written into the manuscripts or
how is it presented.

Its anchoring to local circumstances also results in its inherent unpredictability

as knowledge claims.

1.2. Heterogeneous construction Successful technological work draws from

multiple resources and exhibit entanglement among different realms than
individual domain.

For example, in engineering one develops not only artifacts and gadgets but also
environment in which they can operate. The case of Pap smear (brief illustration)
is another example of heterogeneous construction.

1.3. Finitism entails that rules are extended to new cases in which such extension
is not as straightforward but should be seen as a process in which rules can
change meaning.

For example, the case of Euler rule (illustration) for polyhedral shows,
mathematician exhibited diverse response to its counter examples.

1.4. Enculturational model- There are two kinds of models to understand transfer
of knowledge, Algorithm and Enculturational. In Enculturational, socialization is
essential and it involves tacit knowledge.

The example of TEA Laser study by Collins, exhibit such an alternate model.

1.5. Nominalist believe that kinds are human constructs that serves to make the
world intelligible. It contrasts with realist who see kinds for example, gender,
human etc. as natural. For nominalists, individual objects are the real features.

2. 2.1. Imutable Mobile- The concept alludes to the process by which devices or
instruments as seen in the laboratory transforms pieces of matter into written
documents or in computer, which then becomes durable and possess capacity to
be transported across calculation centers and be compared, analyzed to produce
abstract general representation.
 2.2. Translation- ANT involves understanding a variety of actors which have to be
brought into agreement to have a coherent effect. Translation is the process by
which their (actors) interests are to be brought into agreement so that within the
network each must be brought to act or be acted upon by others.

2.3. Super symmetric feature as distinct from symmetric of strong program entails
that there is no difference between human and non-human and seeing them both
actants within a network.

Similarly it makes no distinction between scientific facts or technological objects

underlining its idea of explanation through a network approach than individual
entities.

2.4. The problem of agency has two aspects, first distribution of agency, in which
critiques argue, ANT analyzes from a dominant perspective. In the process, it fails to
account the difference in narrative or interesting dimensions from other
perspectives.

The second aspect is ANTs emphasis on symmetry of agency with respect to any
difference between human and non-human but at the same time, the problem
arising due to lack of intentionality for non- human actors.

2.5. Problem of realism- ANT argues natural objects and artifacts obtain their
identities through network building, which brings it to the side of constructivist and
at the same time, it conceptualizes resistance and rigidity of actors for example non
humans which point to its acceptance of realism.