Abstract
This thesis intervenes in the ways in which we evaluate academic labour via citations, joining theoretical reflection with elements of practice-based technological research and development. It is a practice based exploration of possible technological improvements to the citation-based evaluation of academic labour with the potential to strengthen non-capitalist modes of existence. It develops a theoretical framework based on multiplicity to overcome the disadvantages of over-reliance on dualisms (natural/artificial, social/technical, theory/practice etc.) common in ethical and political activities. I employ it to research and develop attempts at sociotechnical change focused on practices of valuation.The result is a mix of software and theory exhibiting experimental, observational, interventional and performative qualities. Firstly, I assemble a useful collection of modes of existence and relationships between them, which can be used as heuristic devices for techno-social change. Secondly, I develop a number of minimum viable products in the form of computer code, which allow us to transfer value from one mode of existence - one regime of valuation - to another.
| Date of Award | Aug 2021 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Gary Hall (Supervisor) & Janneke Adema (Supervisor) |