SCIENCE MUSEUM AS A NETWORK: THE ROLE OF INTERPRETERS THROUGH THE PRISM OF BRUNO LATURA’S ACTOR-NETWORK THEORY

Abstract

The role of science museum interpreters from the perspective of the actor-network theory developed by French researcher Bruno Latour is explored in this article. The authors analyze how the activities of interpreters contribute to the formation and support of a dynamic network of interactions in science museums, which, in turn, facilitates the dissemination of scientific knowledge and the shaping of a scientific worldview among visitors. The concept of the “interpreter” and their practical activities, comparing global experience with domestic practice, are also examined in the article.Using an actor-network approach, the authors demonstrate that interpreters are not merely transmitters of information and knowledge but they are active actors shaping a network of interactions between exhibits, technological tools, and visitors. Through specific examples, the article highlights how the role of interpreters has transformed – from traditional knowledge transmission to stimulating dialogue and discussions about science.Particular attention is paid to the model of the science museum of the American physicist Frank Oppenheimer, which became the key to the formation of the philosophical and pedagogical approach of their activities and the choice of forms of work of interpreters on both the American and European continents.The authors also examine the impact of interpreters on the educational process, emphasizing their role in fostering a positive attitude toward science among children and young people. Analysis of the activities of interpreters at the Science Museum of the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, in light of the challenges posed by the full-scale war, highlights the importance of their work for fostering children’s curiosity, engaging them in problem- solving activities, and providing psycho-emotional support.In summary, the authors note the adaptability of interpreters to ongoing challenges, their crucial role in deepening interest in natural sciences, and the need for further empirical research on this topic.