How Does an Entity Acquire Identity? Reassembling Relativistic Physics with Actor-Network Theory

Abstract What is it that determines the identity of an entity? Processualism a theoretical perspective offers startling answer to this question. The entity—whether human or nonhuman, animate inanimate—depends on set relations in which entity located. And as sets are several, so identities can take. This article discusses conclusion by integrating processual accounts from different fields inquiry, such relativistic physics and actor-network theory. According interpretation physics, speaking states things but abstraction. For come introduction arbitrary (physically meaningless) breakups spacetime continuum. Therefore, processes precede states, process being confers physical state. theory, same holds true for actors. Again, actors what really acts heterogeneous networks. When one describes isolation, neglecting whole array with other whereby actor act made way. These strands processualism entities. not characterized individuality individua(bi)lity: they be differently individuated according able take into account. main methodological consequence that, if intends describe is, knowledge inanimate—should based progressively less narrow localizations mappings has