DESI Seminar
Abstract:
In this talk, I examine the limitations of affordance theory in capturing the full scope of sociotechnical phenomena within information systems research. While Gibson’s affordances—relational possibilities for action between an organism and its environment—are valuable, they do not fully account for the deeper layers of meaning and significance inherent in such systems. Drawing on Heidegger’s phenomenology, I argue for an expanded view of affordances that incorporates significance. In this context, significance relates to the meaningful activities that emerge from human engagement with tools and environments, connecting these actions to existential inquiry. By emphasizing the importance of context, human goals, and the existential meaning behind actions, this enhanced framework offers a more comprehensive understanding of how affordances operate within sociotechnical systems, enriching our analysis of technology use in information systems.
Bio:
Devinder Thapa is a Professor at the University of Agder, Norway. He earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering in 2008 from Ajou University, South Korea, and subsequently completed his second Ph.D. in Information Systems in 2012 from the University of Agder, Norway. His research interests include Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D), as well as the Philosophy of Science and Technology. Particularly, he aims to explore the harmony between Eastern and Western philosophies and their applications in ICT4D research. His work has been published in international conferences such as IFIP WG 9.4, IFIP WG 8.2, ICIS, ECIS, AMCIS, PACIS, and HICCS. He has also contributed to international journals like Information Systems Journal (ISJ), International Journal of Information Management (IJIM), Springer Lecture Notes in Computer Science, International Journal of Control, Automation, and Systems (IJCAS), Communications of the Associations for Information Systems (CAIS), Electronic Journal of Information Systems in Developing Countries (EJISDC), Information Technology for Development (ITD), Journal of Information Technology and International Development (ITID), and Journal of Pattern Recognition Letters. Currently, he serves on the Editorial Board of ISJ, EJISDC, CAIS, and IJIM Data Insights. His academic memberships include AIS, IFIP 9.4, SIG GlovDev, and SIGPHIL. Additionally, he is a practitioner of the martial art Japan Shorinryu Karatedo Kenshinkai, holding a Black Belt 1st Dan.