Accidental Agents: Ecological Politics Beyond the Human

The Anthropocene has led to an urgent need to rethink human action, with one response suggesting that human beings can transcend their environment. Martin Crowley argues that a new conception of political agency is necessary to break this impasse and proposes an original account of agency as distributed and decisive. He explores how a politics that incorporates nonhuman agency can intervene in the real world, examining timely issues such as climate-related migration and digital-algorithmic politics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The undeniable reality of the Anthropocene is that human activity is intricately intertwined with the existence and actions of every living being on Earth. This convergence has sparked a pressing demand to reevaluate our understanding of human behavior in response to the global ecological crisis. Two distinct perspectives have emerged in this regard. One suggests that the transformative solutions required to address today's crises will arise from the unique ability of human beings to transcend their environment. Another school of thought advocates for a more composite view of action, attributing it to distributed networks of human and nonhuman agents. While the first perspective is often accused of promoting human exceptionalism, the second one faces criticism for lacking practical political traction.

In order to overcome this impasse, Martin Crowley proposes a novel conception of political agency. Drawing upon the insights of thinkers like Bruno Latour, Bernard Stiegler, and Catherine Malabou, Crowley offers an original account of agency as both distributed and decisive. Challenging the prevailing notion of agency as solely human, he delves into how a politics that incorporates nonhuman agency can intervene in the real world, addressing pressing issues such as climate-related migration and digital-algorithmic politics. Accidental Agents constitutes a significant intervention into ongoing debates in posthumanism, political ecology, and political theory, offering a fresh perspective on political agency in and for a more-than-human world.

The concept of distributed agency emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living beings and their collective responsibility for shaping the world. It recognizes that human actions are not isolated or independent but are embedded within broader social, ecological, and technological systems. By acknowledging the agency of nonhuman actors, such as animals, plants, and microorganisms, Crowley argues that a more holistic and inclusive approach to politics is necessary. This perspective challenges the traditional notion of human superiority and promotes a more equitable and sustainable relationship between humans and the natural world.

One of the key insights of distributed agency is the recognition of the role of technology in shaping human behavior and the environment. Crowley argues that digital technologies, in particular, have created new forms of agency that are distributed across networks of human and nonhuman agents. These technologies, such as algorithms, social media, and artificial intelligence, have the ability to influence public opinion, shape economic markets, and even govern political processes. However, the unintended consequences of these technologies, such as data privacy breaches, algorithmic bias, and the displacement of human workers, have raised concerns about their impact on democracy and social justice.

In response to these challenges, Crowley proposes an original account of political agency that incorporates both human and nonhuman agents. He advocates for a politics that recognizes the agency of all living beings and seeks to balance their interests and responsibilities. This approach involves developing new forms of governance that involve collaboration between humans, nonhuman agents, and technology. It also requires a shift in our moral and ethical frameworks to recognize the inherent value of all living beings and their right to exist and thrive.

Accidental Agents offers a valuable contribution to ongoing debates in posthumanism, political ecology, and political theory. By challenging the traditional notion of human exceptionalism and promoting a more distributed and inclusive view of political agency, Crowley offers a roadmap for navigating the complex challenges of the Anthropocene. His book provides a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the role of nonhuman agents in shaping our world and highlights the need for a more ethical and sustainable approach to politics. As we continue to grapple with the impacts of human activity on the environment, Accidental Agents serves as a reminder that we are not alone in our efforts to create a better future for ourselves and for future generations.

Dimension: 216 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231204026