Putting a spin on circulating reference, or how to rediscover the scientific subject

• Published in: Studies in history and philosophy of science. Part A Vol. 49; pp. 103 - 107
• Main Author: Kochan, Jeff
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2015; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Bruno Latour; Circulating reference; Epistemology; History of medicine and histology; Knowledge; Latour, Bruno; Ludwik Fleck; Mechanical properties; Model testing; Models, Theoretical; Philosophers; Philosophy of science; Post-Kantian subjectivity; Practice; Research Design - standards; Science; Scientific practice; Scientific research; Scientific practice; Bruno Latour; Post-Kantian subjectivity; Ludwik Fleck; Circulating reference
• ISSN: 0039-3681; 1879-2510
• DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2014.10.004

Bruno Latour claims to have shown that a Kantian model of knowledge, which he describes as seeking to unite a disembodied transcendental subject with an inaccessible thing-in-itself, is dramatically falsified by empirical studies of science in action. Instead, Latour puts central emphasis on scientific practice, and replaces this Kantian model with a model of “circulating reference.” Unfortunately, Latour's alternative schematic leaves out the scientific subject. I repair this oversight through a simple mechanical procedure. By putting a slight spin on Latour's diagrammatic representation of his theory, I discover a new space for a post-Kantian scientific subject, a subject brilliantly described by Ludwik Fleck. The neglected subjectivities and ceaseless practices of science are thus re-united. •Bruno Latour's practice-based model of science excludes a role for subjectivity.•To correct this, I put a spin on Latour's diagrammatic representation of his theory.•The practices and subjectivities of science are thus reunited.