MIT+Abstract

Drawing on postcolonial feminist/subaltern theory to highlight previously invisible social groups, I argue that a) these groups have had greater impact than credited; b) key deviant groups have served as strong contributors to science and technology; and c) that in showing these contributions we can see more clearly the actual constitution of historical and present science. In this case study I focus on the knowledge system, social structure and technologies of pirates in historical and present comparison. Drawing on archival records I suggest that historic pirates maintained an alternative epistemic culture in regards to technical knowledges (including literacy and navigation), and formed networks of technological diffusion and appropriation with widespread material consequences. While typically overlooked, marginal groups continue to offer significant contributions to Western science. Despite active persecution there was, and remains, a social value to deviant groups who operate outside of the norms of society, yet still have significant impact on society. If we view pirate ships as a technology, piracy becomes an excellent case study for demonstrating how access to technology can allow members of disenfranchised social classes, in this case marginalized and criminal individuals, to become self sufficient and to exceed their approved social status. This work offers a path to STS studies of similar contemporary deviant and criminal groups that might be influencing/appropriating technology in ways that are marginalized. Focusing on larger issues of access to technology and the importance of local knowledge networks, this project calls into question the relation of laity and expert in Western science.