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Living signs: Theory and materiality in the work of Otto Neurath

Henning, Michelle

Authors

Michelle Henning



Abstract

Using the work of Otto Neurath, this paper considers theory as a material social practice. Some scholars see in Neurath’s work a ‘naïve’ belief in the possibility of the clear, unambiguous, transmission of facts untainted by their material support. Yet in his commitment to the ‘de-Babelizing’ project of the democratization of knowledge, Neurath experienced first-hand how information and ideas change from one medium to another, and the impact of the cultural contexts and materials in which they circulate. This paper considers his use of different technical and linguistic media as part of larger social and material practices in 1940s Britain.

Citation

Henning, M. (2008, March). Living signs: Theory and materiality in the work of Otto Neurath. Paper presented at Engaging Objects, Amsterdam

Presentation Conference Type Conference Paper (unpublished)
Conference Name Engaging Objects
Conference Location Amsterdam
Start Date Mar 26, 2008
End Date Mar 28, 2008
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Keywords Otto Neurath
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1014550


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