Parliament of Things

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The Parliament of Things is a theory developed by Bruno Latour that makes a case for the rights of objects - i.e. non-humans. According to Latour, modern man refuses to recognise the rights, autonomy, and agency of objects. He advocates a vision of the world in which the value - not the worth - of objects and other entities plays an active role.
        Latour explains that human’s normative comprehension is based on the bilateral preconception of human and non-human counterparts, respectively entities that afforded free will and others that are not. Latour explains that non-human entities should also be formally represented, have rights, etc. in addition to human entities. In a recent lecture,¹ Latour explains that non-human “things” only have a voice vicariously articulated by scientists, activities, artists etc...
        The theory’s crucial aspect is not in granting a series of formal rights to things but rather in the creation of an actual place for discussion - an ideal parliament. To explain this concept, Latour introduces the etymology of the word “thing” from Latin, res, (in Italian Cosa/causa) which means to assembly.
        The notion of assemblage is embedded in the word “causa.” Causa is often used to explain a conflict and it reveals, according to the philosopher, how ‘the collective’ cannot exist without conflicts without confronting opposing ideas. The conflict has a magnetic power of gathering and implies, at the same time, the notion of representation - therefore politics.
        To conclude, the Parliaments of Things aims to institutionalize the voice of non-human entities and produce a space in which non-human entities can manifest their voice on behalf of nature, generating real discussion against human entities as formal counterparts. 

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