Sociotechnological networks and institutive imaginary operation

Abstract

This paper discusses the ways in which sociotechnological networks express the conjugation of legein and teukhein, as these terms are conceived by Cornelius Castoriadis, to denote dimensions of institutive imaginary . This is a theoretical reflection aimed at qualifying the aforementioned networks as processes of the social imaginary. The relevance of this discussion lies in the unusual epistemological treatment of sociotechnological networks, which are addressed as constituent elements of the processes of social creation and institution. The methodological procedure consisted in the interpretation of the concepts of legein and teukhein, applied to the configurations of mediatic technological communication, engendered by the the imaginary of the times. The result is the characterization of sociotechnological networks as expressions of imaginary pertaining to the third spirit of capitalism, according to Boltanski and Chiapello.

Keywords sociotechnological networks; legein; teukhein; institutive imaginary