DeLanda and the Metric/Nonmetric Distinction

TLDR: The chapter shows that, in sociological research, there are no units of analysis that remain absolutely constant across social reality and by setting up the metric/nonmetric distinction, the chapter can determine rigorously how these units happen to vary.

Abstract: The concepts of metric and nonmetric have been previously developed by Manuel DeLanda in his book Intensive Science and Virtual Philosophy. This chapter discusses DeLanda’s project by concentrating on two major ideas: multiplicity and assemblage. As critique, the chapter contends that DeLanda does not take full advantage of the concepts of metric and nonmetric. Finally, the said concepts are developed and articulated around four dichotomies: (1) whether a difference between member and non-member is distinguishable or not; (2) the opposition between reversible and irreversible; (3) whether a difference between micro and macro is distinguishable or not; and (4) the opposition between “structure as agency” and “agency as structure.” Overall, the chapter shows that, in sociological research, there are no units of analysis that remain absolutely constant across social reality. By setting up the metric/nonmetric distinction, we can determine rigorously how these units happen to vary.