Metagenomic Futures: How Microbiome Research is Reconfiguring Health and What it Means to be Human

This book explores the ethical, political, and ontological implications of microbiome science in times of socio-technical and ecological transition, engaging with them productively from an anthropological perspective. It suggests ways to revitalize debates in medical anthropology, environmental anthropology, science and technology studies, and anthropology at large.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of human existence, offering a fresh and insightful perspective from the realm of microbes. By engaging with the scientific study of the microbiome, the vast array of microorganisms that inhabit and shape us, it explores the profound connections between our bodies and the environment in which we reside. The implications of these microbial interactions are far-reaching, impacting both human and environmental health. As researchers embark on this exploration of uncharted life, they are guided by onto-epistemic working practices rooted in the reductionist paradigm of molecular biology. However, they also configure the microbiome ecosystem as an aspirational model of ecological co-habitation, envisioning a harmonious interplay between humans and microorganisms.

The central objective of this book is to critically examine the ethical, political, and ontological ramifications of microbiome science in the context of profound socio-technical and ecological transformations. It seeks to engage with these implications productively from an anthropological lens, offering valuable insights and perspectives. By revitalizing ongoing debates within medical anthropology, environmental anthropology, science and technology studies, and anthropology as a whole, particularly in the realms of posthumanism, the ontological turn, and critical data study, the book aims to foster a deeper understanding of our complex relationship with the microbial world.

Through meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, the book sheds light on the ethical dilemmas surrounding the collection, analysis, and interpretation of microbiome data. It raises questions about the ownership, control, and exploitation of microbial information, as well as the potential implications for individual privacy, social justice, and the broader ecosystem. The book also explores the political dimensions of microbiome research, examining how it intersects with power structures, policymaking, and the distribution of resources. It raises concerns about the potential for marginalized communities to be excluded from the benefits of microbiome research and the need for inclusive and equitable approaches to science and technology development.

In addition to its ethical and political dimensions, the book delves into the ontological implications of microbiome science. It questions the traditional boundaries between humans and microorganisms, challenging the notion of a distinct and separate human identity. It explores the ways in which microorganisms contribute to our physical and mental well-being, shaping our immune systems, metabolism, and even our cognitive abilities. The book also raises questions about the nature of life, consciousness, and the relationship between the individual and the collective.

To address these complex issues, the book offers a range of innovative approaches and methodologies. It advocates for a more interdisciplinary approach to microbiome research, bringing together experts from various fields, including biology, anthropology, sociology, and philosophy. It encourages the use of qualitative research methods, such as ethnography and participant observation, to capture the rich and nuanced experiences of individuals and communities. The book also emphasizes the importance of collaborative research, promoting dialogue and mutual learning between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the ethical, political, and ontological implications of microbiome science. It offers a fresh perspective on human existence, challenging our assumptions and illuminating the intricate web of connections between our bodies, the environment, and the vast microbial world. By engaging with these implications productively from an anthropological perspective, the book contributes to the revitalization of ongoing debates within medical anthropology, environmental anthropology, science and technology studies, and anthropology at large. It provides valuable insights and perspectives that can help us navigate the complex challenges and opportunities of our time, as we strive to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032068633