objectsrather

Objectsrather is a neologism used in philosophy, cultural studies, and discourse analysis to denote a stance that foregrounds objects as primary actors in social and explanatory processes. The term is often used to critique anthropocentric approaches that place humans at the center of meaning, causality, and knowledge. By shifting attention to material agents, networks of devices, and environmental conditions, objectsrather emphasizes how non-human elements participate in shaping outcomes.

Origin and etymology: The word is a portmanteau of object and rather, signaling a preference for foregrounding objects over subjects when interpreting events or designing methods. It emerged in online debates among scholars engaged with object-oriented ontology (OOO) and related materialist traditions during the 2010s and 2020s.

Definition and scope: In discourse analysis, objectsrather describes cases where analysis privileges objects—technologies, artifacts, spaces, and ecosystems—as the primary referents. In philosophy and design studies, proponents argue that objects can possess causal influence and ethical significance independent of human intention. The approach often accompanies methodological shifts toward studying object networks, affordances, and material relations.

Examples: "In this study, objectsrather reveals that the smartphone ecosystem, rather than user intention, drives communication patterns." "An objectsrather framing treats devices and infrastructures as co-authors of social life."

Reception: Critics warn that the term can be vague or tautological, while proponents view it as a corrective to anthropocentric narratives.

See also: Object-oriented ontology, Material culture, Actor-network theory, Anthropocentrism.