Key Concepts of New Materialism

Key Concepts of New Materialism

• New materialism is a philosophical movement that challenges traditional dualistic views of mind and matter, advocating for a more interconnected and dynamic understanding of reality. It emphasizes the materiality of all things, including human thought and experience.

• It rejects the traditional separation between the subject and the object, arguing that they are mutually constitutive. This rejects the idea that the "subject" (human consciousness) observes an independent "object" (the physical world).

• New materialism critiques the idea of a fixed and stable subject. Instead, it suggests that subjectivity is constantly in flux and is formed through interactions with the material world.

• This approach recognizes the agency of matter, moving beyond a purely passive conception of matter in the universe.

• New materialists often question the role of human agency in nature and propose a different perspective on the relationship between humans and the environment.

Emphasis on the interconnectedness of matter

• Recognizing that matter is intrinsically relational and interconnected. Material interactions constantly create and alter each other.

• This includes recognizing both the material and non-material aspects of reality as deeply intertwined. The traditional separation of the "physical" and "mental" is challenged.

• This concept challenges anthropocentric views of the world, placing human presence in a wider material network.

Critique of Dualism and Representation

• New materialism criticizes traditional dualistic views, particularly the separation of mind and body.

• It challenges the idea that knowledge is purely representative of reality—that we can create accurate images or models of a separate external world.

• New materialism emphasizes the performative nature of language and thought, arguing that language doesn't simply represent the world but also shapes and constructs it.

Focus on Affect and Process

• New materialism considers affect—emotions, feelings, and other embodied experiences—as fundamental to material processes.

• Emphasis is placed on process and dynamism rather than static entities. Focus on how things change and interact over time, as opposed to focusing on fixed characteristics.

• It proposes that affect plays a vital role in shaping material interactions and relations. Emotions and feelings are seen as an important driving force behind the world around us, not just human experiences.

New Materialism and the Environment

• This movement often takes a more environmentally-conscious stance.

• Recognizing that humans are part of a complex network of interacting materials, including the non-human world.

• Often leads to discussions about the ethical implications of human actions on the environment.