DeLanda Reading Group: A New Philosophy of Society

Over at Larval Subjects Levi Bryant has organized a reading group for Manuel DeLanda’s A New Philosophy of Society: Assemblage Theory and Social Complexity (2006). Quite frankly I loved this little book the first time I read it. DeLanda's arguments are strait-forward, clear and convincing. In fact, much of DeLanda's work on assemblages, self-organizing dynamics, differential intensities, material processes,  non-linear developments of collectives, cities and social milieus is outstanding. DeLanda began his career in experimental film, later became a computer artist and programmer and is now a major philosopher and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, at Columbia University.

Here is the product description for the book from Amazon.com:

Manuel DeLanda is a distinguished writer, artist and philosopher. In his new book, he offers a fascinating look at how the contemporary world is characterized by an extraordinary social complexity. Since most social entitles, from small communities to large nation-states, would disappear altogether if human minds ceased to exist, Delanda proposes a novel approach to social ontology that asserts the autonomy of social entities from the conceptions we have of them. This highly original and important book takes the reader on a journey that starts with personal relations and climbs up one scale at a time all the way to territorial states and beyond. Only by experiencing this upward movement can we get a sense of the irreducible social complexity that characterizes the contemporary world.

The schedule for the reading group is as follows: [Note: these dates are approximate, as Levi has posted on the introduction already, and will be posting his thoughts on chapter one over the next couple days.]

September 1-12
Host blog: Larval Subjects (Levi)
Under discussion: Introduction & Chapter 1, "Assemblages Against Totalities"

September 13-26
Host blog: Digital Digs (Alex)
Under discussion: Chapter 2, "Assemblages Against Essences"

September 27- October 10
Host blog: Archive Fire (Michael)
Under discussion: Chapter 3, “Persons and Networks”

October 11-24
Host blog: Struggles With Philosophy (Mark)
Under discussion: Chapter 4, "Organizations and Governments"

October 25- November 7
Host blogs: Philosophy in a Time of Error (Gratton) and Circling Squares
Under discussion: Chapter 5, "Cities and Nations"

It should be fun reading heavy-hitters like Bryant and Gratton as they dig in to DeLanda’s theory - and I look forward to all the potential comments this group might raise. DeLanda’s work continues to be fundamental for me, so getting multiple perspectives on his framework can only enhance my understanding. Please feel free to chime in whenever and as often as you can! Cheers.