I’m going to try and explain this as simply as I can because everything I read up on it made it either very confusing, or outright said the theory is still disputed, which is fair enough. First here’s a video that best helped me understand the concept:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2YYxS6D-mI

From what I can gather it’s simple a theory opposing both Technological Determinist and Social Determinist theories. Rather than attributing changes to society or technology, the Actor-Network theory considers both as a valid proponent of change. The ‘Actor’ in this case includes both people – the society – and objects – the technology.

The thing is this is rather new and it’s still disputed what exactly how this theory works. One of the strangest criticisms is that this theory is amoral. Given the vagueness of the concept – it outlines an Ontology (I think) – this example of criticism is very odd indeed. I’m also confused as to how morality is supposed to be considered by social concepts. Does it suggest that the theory neglects the moral considerations of the human Actors?

The reading doesn’t offer a whole lot more explanation. It’s very wordy (plus it’s written in a woefully small, thin font on a blank, white page) and doesn’t seem to help nail down the point of the theory much.

Something to consult with my tutor with I think.