A Typology of Knowledge in Biohacking

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of biohacking. Drawing on field research data, we attempt to explain what exactly is meant by this concept in Russia, and focus on specificities of biohackers’ knowledge and ways of its dissemination by exploring the system of social relationships and processes that are currently unfolding online and offline. Biohacking can manifest itself as a variety of individ- ual attempts to take upon oneself the task of caring about the effectiveness of one’s own body and mind, that is as “personal knowledge”, which may be seen as part of the growing trend of DIY (Do- It-Yourself); but at the same time, it is involved in shaping the “collective/societal knowledge”. In public space, biohacking seeks to appeal to the “scientific/laboratory knowledge” and is associated with the biomedical and information technology industries.