Twentieth International Conference on Technology, Knowledge, and Society

Abstract

Our planet is warming up. Scientists say this is a direct result of fossil fuel emissions caused by advanced human technological practices. The result of carbon emissions in the atmosphere is manifest in more intense heat waves, floods, forest fires, and droughts. It is possible to restore damaged ecosystems, the question is what can be done? Using an ontogenetic-epistemological ethics of remembering, this project aims to ameliorate the effects of climate change by reinvigorating and regenerating “dead cities” and unsustainable carbon-heavy buildings with living and organic materials with the aim of regenerative zero-carbon buildings. Our vision is to build with local indigenous plants, materials, and technologies. Ontogenetic-epistemology is a philosophical theory arising from two distinct yet closely related fields of study: Gilbert Simondon’s ontogenesis and Karen Barad’s onto-epistemology. The latter is based on the logic of transduction, the former on the logic of transduction. Understanding ontogenesis as an interweaving of materiality and form gives us the ontological ground for beginning a conversation about value, which is left undeveloped in Simondon’s work. Thus, we will employ Barad theory of diffraction that convincingly argues that quantum field theory opens up is a radical space for exploring the possibilities for change from inside hegemonic systems of domination.