Daniel Biskup                                                                        Approx. 180 words

INTD 105

djb29@geneseo.edu

Latour’s argument begins by presenting an article on the depleting ozone layer in Antarctica, in order to give a lens in which to look through. He then goes on to explain the distinct areas that are affected, both science and politics. This mixing of the two within one issue makes it nearly impossible to view it from one stance because it takes away from the other, and yet it is also impossible to look through both simultaneously.

This scope gives way to Latour’s main argument in which he ponders on humanity’s own idea of modernity and where present day stands. Are we in the present day premodern, truly modern, or postmodern. The argument is based around two dichotomies, one separating human culture and nature, the second separating the first and hybridization of the two. In order to anthropologically analyze our current state both hybridization and separation must happen simultaneously and yet once this happens we stop being wholly modern. His point is paradoxical in that both must happen otherwise neither could take place, leaving it ambiguous on our state as human beings.