Figure: Concept and Method

This open-access book explores the use of figures,figuring,and configuration to understand complex contemporary problems. It demonstrates how figures have transformed disciplines and fields of study,and how methods of figuring and configuring have been integral to practices of description,computation,creation,criticism,and political action. Readers will encounter figures such as Je Suis Charlie, #MeToo, social media personae, gardeners, asthmatic children, systems configuration management, and cloud computing, all of which demonstrate the methodological utility and contemporary relevance of thinking with figures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 283 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This open-access book explores the multifaceted role of figures, figuration, and configuration in understanding complex and contemporary problems. Figures encompass a wide range of visual representations, including images, numbers, diagrams, data, and datasets, as well as turns of phrase and symbolic representations. Contributors delve into the historical evolution of figures, examining how they have shaped disciplines and fields of study. They also highlight the integral role of figuration and configuration in practices of description, computation, creation, criticism, and political action. By traversing various fields such as social science, medicine, art, literature, media, politics, philosophy, history, anthropology, and science and technology studies, the book showcases the diverse applications of figures. Readers will encounter a diverse array of figures, including iconic symbols like "Je Suis Charlie," the #MeToo movement, social media personae, gardeners, asthmatic children, systems configuration management, and cloud computing. These examples illustrate the methodological utility and contemporary relevance of thinking with figures, emphasizing their ability to convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, and shape public discourse. This book serves as a critical guide to the world of figures, offering insights into their historical development, theoretical frameworks, and practical applications. It also serves as a creative invitation to engage with figures, encouraging readers to explore their potential for shaping our understanding of the world and fostering innovative thinking.

Weight: 519g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811924750
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022