Human, Non-Human, and Beyond: Cochlear Implants in Socio-Technological Environments

摘要: The paper focuses on processes of normalization through which dis/ability is simultaneously produced in specific collectives, networks, and socio-technological systems that enable the construction such demarcations. Our point departure cochlear implant (CI), a neuroprosthetic device intended to replace and/or augment function damaged inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, amplify sounds, CI does work hair cells ear by providing sound signals brain. We examine CI’s genesis as well its uses interrelations different divergent actors assembles. argue technological implicated process mobilize complex effects varying socio-technical arrangements. conceived “boundary object” [89] or “quasi-object” [49, 83], i.e., metastabilized medium translation coordinates social, cultural, (inter)action. Although transform non-hearing hard people into competent “normal” subjects, system reproduces asymmetrical structures disability discourse [14] “developing maintaining coherence between intersecting social worlds” [89, 393]. Additionally, it initiates controversial discourses have resulted new forms biosocial collectivities ranging from implantees with (restored) normal human (trans)human configurations who passed (post)human enhancement. approach thus situated at intersection media studies tackles particular conditions impose upon (re-)production dis/ability.