#76 The Care of Things: Philosophy of Maintenance & Making Things Last with Jérome Denis and David Pontille

Send a love messageRethinking Everyday Care with Jérome Denis and David PontilleIn this episode of Love and Philosophy, host Andrea explores the often overlooked but essential realm of maintenance and care, diving into its philosophical, social, and political dimensions. Joined by guests Jérome Denis and David Pontille, accomplished scholars from France, the discussion delves into how maintenance connects with the theories of care, the work of influential figures like Bruno Latour, and the interdisciplinary field of Science and Technology Studies (STS). They unpack the intricate relationship between humans and objects, examining concepts like fragility, multisensory engagement, and the distinction between maintenance and repair. Highlighting the everyday labor involved in maintaining objects and environments—from subway signs to classic cars—the conversation underscores the need to recognize and value the unseen work that sustains our daily lives. The episode draws on rich examples, including the upkeep of the Paris Metro and the care of classic Mustangs, to illustrate the profound impact of maintenance on our understanding of relationships, both material and social.The book is available in English and French from all major booksellers:The Care of Things: Ethics and Politics of Maintenance00:00 Introduction to Maintenance and Care00:30 Welcome to Love and Philosophy00:56 Exploring Science and Technology Studies (STS)01:40 Bruno Latour and Actor-Network Theory03:45 The Care of Things: Introducing the Guests04:43 The Paris Metro Signage Study05:08 The Philosophy of Maintenance06:09 The Role of Maintenance Workers07:34 Fragility and the Importance of Care11:08 Multisensory Engagement in Maintenance12:56 The Mundane Expertise of Maintenance42:19 The Drama of Maintenance42:50 Maintenance vs. Repair: A Philosophical Dive44:08 The Heroism in Repair46:59 John Oliver's Take on Infrastructure49:10 Classic Mustang Maintenance54:17 The Ambiguities of Maintenance57:17 Care as Work: A Feminist Perspective59:28 The Cost of Maintenance59:58 The Myth of Autonomy in Technology01:03:25 Personal Reflections on Maintenance01:20:16 The Role of Love in MaintenanceJohn Oliver Infrastructure ClipJérome Denis is Director of the Centre de sociologie de l'innovation at Mines Paris-PSL.David Pontille is Director of Research at Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) in Paris.Support the showBuy Holding Paradox: The Navigational Approach to Mind and Consciousness by Andrea HiottSign up for Making Ways newsletter and projects.Please rate and review with love. YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Substack.