Power, Reason, Closure : Critical Perspectives on New Media Theory

• This article addresses the question of new media studies’ meta-theoretical premises. It is argued that the field’s exceptional openness towards theory and method is a valuable asset, which needs to be cultivated by means of a more explicit meta-theoretical debate. Drawing on critical theory, three meta-theoretical criteria concerning power, reason and closure are suggested and applied in a review of common theoretical perspectives at use in the field. A discussion of political economy and postmodern perspectives prepares the ground for an analysis of approaches inspired by Habermas and Foucault. The article concludes by advocating the theoretical concept of the dispositif or social apparatus, developed by Foucault and Deleuze. It is argued that the concept provides an effective tool to map the intricate relations of power and knowledge around the internet, as well as a possibility to analyse how processes of subjectification are fostered or circumscribed in specific settings.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Medie- och kommunikationsvetenskap -- Medievetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Media and Communications -- Media Studies (hsv//eng)

Keyword

critical theory

dispositif

Foucault

Habermas

internet

power

public sphere

reason

social apparatus

Medie- och kommunikationsvetenskap

Media and Communication Studies

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)