Protein Machines, Technology, and the Nature of the Future

This book explores the relationships between humans, chickens, and environments in the context of protein production. The history of these relationships reveals them to be increasingly technological, which results in humans becoming more responsible for those animals and their environments. Understanding this development through the configuration of various kinds of protein machines is key to confronting the kinds of future we wish to promote, and the characteristics of the present we wish to sustain. The book is organized around narratives that explore the concept of the protein machine, with a particular focus on the development of the chicken as it has moved from the field to the factory to the laboratory. These transformations are interconnected, and culminate in efforts to cultivate meat without the animal. Our ultimate goal will be to ask what kind of future does this technology envision, and what roles do humans and animals play in it?

Written for an interdisciplinary audience, including those concerned with food systems, animals, and technology Focuses on a specific animal within the agricultural production system Encourages readers to reflect on visions for a more sustainable future

Autorentext
Wyatt Galusky is Professor of Humanities, and the Coordinator of the Science, Technology, & Society program, at SUNY Morrisville. His research interests include animals in agriculture and public engagement with science and technology.

Inhalt

1. An Introduction: Protein Machines with Flaws.- Two Contests/Two Chickens.- The Science of Speculation: Two Futures.- Bibliography.- 2. A Chicken, Part I.- Configuring Tomorrow (The Factory).- Creating a Protein Machine.- with Flaws.- Bibliography.- 3. An Interval: A Chicken, Ramona.- 4. A Chicken, Part II.- Configuring Tomorrow (The Laboratory).- Creating a Protein Machine.- with Flaws?.- Bibliography.- 5. A Future, Part I.- A Century of Science Fact and Fiction.- Bibliography.- 6. Another Interval: A Fox, Two Chickens.- 7: A Future, Part II.- Thinking Through Technology.- The Future as a Collective Project.- Technological Change.- Technologies and/as Responsibilities.- The Future as a Laboratory.- Bibliography.- 8. A Conclusion: Protein Machines, the Human Kind.- We Have Changed.- We Will Change.- We Can Change.- Bibliography.- Index. <p