Is There a Common Epistemological Ground of Actor-Network Theory and Media Aesthetics?

Abstract

Based on the increased interest in ANT in Media Studies, this paper discusses similarities and differences in the epistemological premises of ANT and German Media Studies, and in particular, Media Aesthetics. Proceeding from well received ANT investigations on the transformational processes of scientific research and the discussion of their importance and suitability for media aesthetic approaches, basic operations and metaphors of the ANT are identified and questioned. By juxtaposing the epistemological premises of ANT and those of techno-philosophically informed approaches of media theory, profound resemblances as well as fundamental differences are outlined.