Thinking Assemblages Methodologically: Some Rules of Thumb

Abstract

This chapter argues that the way that assemblage is employed as a loose metaphor almost deprives it of any theoretical meaning. In contrast, other intellectual projects claim that assemblage is more than a metaphor, it is a promising theoretical source of inspiration for developing new frameworks of research. In this chapter I argue that it is important to reflect on the different potentials of these projects. Contrary to Sassen, I argue for engaging in more depth with Deleuzian assemblage thinking. Against De Landa, I argue that formulating a consistent theory of assemblage and remaining on the philosophical level is misleading. Partaking with Collier and Ong, I argue that assemblage thinking implies an empiricist project, providing a parsimonious and open ontological vocabulary meaningful for conducting empirical research.