'Dangerous illusions of autonomy: a process critique of the concept of autopoiesis'

James Williams (Deakin University )

Abstract: Starting from work in biology by Maturana and Varela, the concept of autopoiesis has gained traction in many other subjects; for example, in philosophy of mind and life in the work of Thompson; in sociology and law with Luhmann, or in architecture through Schumacher. In this talk, I will develop a process critique of the concept, by raising doubts about the closed circular form of autopoietic processes and about claims to autonomy based on that closure. The basis for the critique will be a speculative process philosophy developed as a process philosophy of the sign, where processes are defined as multiple, open and transversal. I will make some remarks on contemporary process philosophies of biology that offer theories at odds with the closure of autopoiesis. I will also make some remarks on earlier philosophies of biology that depend on circular closure. This will be followed by a reflection on the grounds for process philosophy and whether these should be naturalistic or speculative. In conclusion, I suggest political and social stakes for the opposition between ideas of process dependent on autopoietic closure and those based on intensive multiplicities.

Comments: Tina Röck (Dundee)