As part of the annual Week of Anthropology organized by ICA, we hosted a lively symposium at the Laie Bookstore in central Barcelona. Our topic, “Machine Anthropology or Bastard Algebra?”, explored the recent incorporation of computational methods and technology into anthropological research. The PATCHWORK project served as a good example of that. 

Colloquium: Machine anthropology or bastard algebra?

(November 27th, 2024, 16.00-17,30; Laie Library Barcelona)

Organized by: Miranda J. Lubbers (COALESCE Lab-GRAFO/UAB), Yunsub Lee (COALESCE Lab-GRAFO/UAB), Núria Targarona Rifà (COALESCE Lab-GRAFO/UAB), Nigel van Herwijnen (COALESCE Lab-GRAFO/UAB, Behave Lab/University of Milan).
Moderator: Marc Alcalà i Rams (COALESCE Lab-GRAFO/UAB, ICA)

According to Amber Case (2011), we are all cyborgs: always carrying a smartphone transforms us into humans augmented with superpowers. This idea also extends to anthropologists. Although it is one of the least mathematized social sciences, anthropology has increasingly incorporated technology and computational methods into its research practices. Today, we use tools to capture and geolocate field notes, record interviews, automate transcription or text analysis, collaborate seamlessly in fieldwork teams, study virtual communities, detect patterns in kinship relations, reproduce soundscapes, transmit multisensory experiences through augmented reality, expand the functions of eHRAF, understand social networks, and simulate the predictions of theory.

What should we call this technologically augmented anthropology? Machine anthropology (Balasescu, 2020; Pedersen, 2023), digital ethnography, the mathematics of man (Lévi-Strauss, 1954), or bastard algebra (Malinowski, 1930)? What new opportunities do big data, technology, and computational methods bring to anthropology? How can we better combine “big” and “thick” data? Is it still possible to carry out ethnographic fieldwork with just a paper notebook?

This event will feature a series of short talks, followed by a reflective discussion. We welcome participants from all perspectives—whether tech-savvy and already converted, sympathetic, indifferent, sceptical, or cynical. Be prepared to engage with technology during the session.

The session will be held in English.

Shakespeare Room, Laie Bookstore (Carrer Pau Claris 85, Barcelona). Free entry (coffee and cookies will be offered while supplies last).