Seeing Like a State (Scott, 1998)
Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed is a book by James C. Scott critical of a system of beliefs he calls high modernism, that centres around confidence in the ability to design and operate society in accordance with scientific laws. The book catalogues schemes which states impose upon populaces that are convenient for the state since they make societies “legible”, but are not necessarily good for the people. For example, census data, standardized weights and measures, and uniform languages make it easier to tax and control the population.
Notes for attendees: The book is substantial and well worth reading in its entirety. If you are thinking of attending, please try to have read Chapter 1, and skimmed Chapters 2 and 9 before the session.
Reading Link: Seeing Like a State.pdf
Tue 23 MarDisplayed time zone: Belfast change
11:30 - 12:30 | Seeing Like a State (Scott, 1998)Salon Littéraire at Virtual Space A Chair(s): Antranig Basman Raising the Floor - International, Luke Church University of Cambridge | Lund University | Lark Systems | ||
11:30 60mTalk | Seeing Like a State (Scott, 1998) Salon Littéraire F: Antranig Basman Raising the Floor - International, Luke Church University of Cambridge | Lund University | Lark Systems | ||
Reading Link: Seeing Like a State.pdf