Controversies around the origin of SARS-CoV-2: a study from the Actor-Network Theory

Abstract

The cartography of controversies proposal based on Actor-Network Theory, was used in this study as a methodology to follow the traces of human and non-human actors (or actants) involved in the controversy surrounding the origin of the virus that causes COVID-19. The research consisted of selecting reports that circulated in the mainstream media in the 2020 year, in the identification of the human and non-human actors involved and their respective interests, in the establishment of networks formed by the relationship of the actors among themselves based on the Gephi app, and in the delimitation of the cosmos, being they: 1) laboratory origin, 2) natural selection and 3) unknown origin, and a last group considered “opportunist”, since it didn't have an own point of view. Thus, we defend the cartography of controversies as a methodology for dealing with controversial issues in science education, as it allows the different positions around these issues to be explicit, in order to enhance the citizen participation of students in issues related to science and technology.

Keywords

• cartografia de controvérsias
• actantes
• teoria ator-rede
• sars-cov-2