Search

The importance of infrastructural work for the mobility of practices and for the capacity of centers to act on distant sites is stressed in both science studies and the sociology of state formation. Employing Kula's typology of metrological systems, this paper examines four areas of metrological reform in pre-Confederation Canada, stressing the existence of metrological hybrids. Metrological standardization is held to depend upon the exercise of sovereign state power at the same time as it extends the administrative capacity of state agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides information about Michel Freitag, a social theorist from Quebec. Born in 1935 in Switzerland, and with degrees in law and political economy, as well as a doctorate in sociology, he has taught since 1971 in the sociology department of the UQAM. When reading Michel's work, one is immediately struck by the fact that he is extremely well versed in the classical theoretical traditions, both sociological and philosophical and uncompromisingly so. Not only does he acknowledge the influence of these traditions, he works with their questions, uses their language and builds on their reflections. In effect, he believes that they are not just relevant to, but indispensable for a deepened understanding of the present condition. In effect, one could say that Michel Freitag is working with several of the traditions simultaneously. This, however is no eclectic mish-mash, but a work of synthesis of the highest order. Like all good synthesis, it is built from a long and critical reflection on and in reconstruction of the traditions with which he has cohabited and like all good synthesis it supposes a strong central thread that pulls the pieces together.