Abstract

Life in the 21st century is increasingly being quantified as societies are becoming more reliant on algorithms, data and metric technologies to manage all aspects of everyday life. Recently, we have witnessed an abundance of techniques and devices that enable routine forms of digital self-tracking and monitoring. Bodies and minds are turning into measurable machines and information dispensers in the quest for personal development, productivity and the extraction of value. In this seminar session, I consider the example of the Quantified Self movement highlighting some of the ontological, biopolitical and ethical issues pertaining to this rise of data-driven forms of self-management. 

Short CV

Btihaj Ajana is an Associate Professor and COFUND Fellow (AIAS-Marie Curie) at the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies. She is also Senior Lecturer in Culture and Creative Industries at King’s College London. Her teaching and research interests are concerned with the areas of culture and identity, ethics and politics, and the philosophy of digital media and technology.

Btihaj Ajana's project at AIAS.

What is a Fellows' Seminar?

The AIAS Fellows' Seminar is a session of seminars held by the AIAS fellow or by other speakers proposed by the fellows. In each seminar, one fellow will present and discuss his/her current research and research project, closing off with a question and discussion session.

All seminars are held in English and open to the public. Registration to the seminar is not necessary. Read more about the AIAS Fellows' Seminar here.