Join us for a one-day symposium that promises to be a thoughtful exploration of the enduring influence of the late Bruno Latour. This symposium will delve into the legacies of Latour, who left an indelible mark on the fields of science and technology studies. In particular, our expert speakers will unravel the ethical dimensions of Latour’s work, especially his later contributions. 

Known as "the post-truth philosopher," Bruno Latour’s ideas and methodologies challenged conventional truths, making him a controversial figure among truth-seekers and, in particular, ethically minded scholars in the humanities and social sciences.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, Dec. 4, 2023
• Panelists Presentation: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Reception: 1:30 p.m - 3:00 p.m.
• Venue: School of Social Sciences Public Engagement Building at UC San Diego, conference room PEB 720 (7th floor)

Symposium Topics: 

Bruno Latour had a significant relationship with UC San Diego and La Jolla for nearly half a century. His classic work “Laboratory Life” (1979) involved fieldwork at the Salk Institute, and a decade later, he served as an advisor to the Science Studies Program at UC San Diego, when it was formalized in 1989. This unique connection makes UC San Diego the ideal setting to convene scholars, scientists and the public for a meaningful discussion on the ethical legacies of Latour's work, especially in the context of our rapidly changing environmental landscape.

Panel of Speakers:

• 9 - 9:15 a.m - Welcome by John Evans, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institute for Practical Ethics, UC San Diego. Introduction by Kelly Gates, Associate Professor of Communication and Director of the Science Studies Program, UC San Diego

• 9:15  - 9:45 a.m. - Guest speaker to be announced

• 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. - Joost van Loon, Chair of Sociology and Sociological Theory, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany

• 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Juno Salazar Parreñas, Associate Professor of Science and Technology Studies and Feminist, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Cornell University

• 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Joyce Havstad, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of Utah

• 1:15 - 1:30 p.m. -  Conclusion by David Serlin, Associate Professor of Communication and Science Studies, UC San Diego

• 1:30 - 3 p.m. - Reception

Organized by Kelly Gates and David Serlin, with Nima Boscarino and Shubhra Murarka, “We Are All Latourians Now” is supported by the UC San Diego Institute for Practical Ethics.