COMMENTS ON THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE COLL ECTIVE IN SOCIOTECHNICAL NETWORKS

The theory of sociotechnical networks bestows on objects the relative autonomy of which instrumental approaches deprive them. It focuses on how objects work and are used, aspects that semiological approaches ov erlook. As both instruments for aligning conducts and autonomous entit ies, objects construct networks that, once analyzed, can help us disco ver the workings of social coordination Can society be reduced to bein g the outcome of the purely functional dynamics of these interactions ? Can we not rake into consideration the aims of society, which are re vealed through the externalized forms of the ''consciousness of the co llective'' that persons work out together by agreeing on nonnative fra meworks for their functional interactions ? Questions are raised about these two dimensions of technical solidarity by contrasting the forms of planned or distributed organization wherein they take shape. Quest ion are asked about the political guidelines capable of defending, in a theoretical context the integrity of human beings and nonhuman entit ies.