The (Ambiguous) Life of Metals: Chemistry, Metals, and Agency Perspectives
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This is an accepted article with a DOI pre-assigned that is not yet published.This paper explores the concept of the agency of metals from an anthropological perspective of chemists working in their laboratories. It delves into the ideas of molecules' behaviours and how they can be interpreted as actants. The paper argues that the relationship between living beings and non-living entities can be complex from a chemist's perspective and that metals in their various forms, like living beings, are often seen as having behaviours. We also discuss how the behaviour of certain metals is an essential part of life and how the relationship between metals and living beings varies with the levels and scale of analysis. Overall, this paper provides insights into the actancy of metals and their relationship with living beings from the perspective of chemists. Through examples from laboratory experience and teaching chemistry, the paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion about the actancy and life of metals.
DOI: 10.16997/ahip.1830
Authors: Igor José de Renó Machado, Sofia Nikolaou
Institutions: Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo
Subfield: Cultural Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7119525455