Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation
by Joseph Weizenbaum
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Description
Monograph on computer science and the social role of computers in human society - considers ethics questions and philosophical questions posed by increasingly powerful computers, and discusses the nature of computer languages and data processing, the social responsibility of EDP personnel, etc. References.Tags
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Member Reviews
One of the seminal books on computing and its limitations. A must-read for anyone interested in Artificial Intelligence, though it will probably be rejected by todays programmers and software engineers who have noteable hubris issues. Some of the technical sections may be tough sledding for those not familiar with computation, but nothing here is beyond the reach of logic, patience and curiousity. Read, ponder, and enjoy.
The people in our Lisp language class got to meet and go to lunch with him. I was impressed with his reasonableness.
It will still be read half a century from now (1975), as a landmark in the integration of scientific and humanistic thinking. Lewis Mumford
Still relevant and thought provoking.
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Author Information
12+ Works 556 Members
Born in Berlin, Germany, Joseph Weizenbaum immigrated to the United States as a child. He is among the world's foremost computer scientists, as well as a pioneer in the field of computer ethics. An outspoken critic of overdependence on and misuse of powerful new computers, Weizenbaum claims that individual privacy is being depleted rapidly by the show more computer revolution. He also is concerned about the increasing role of computer technology in warfare and claims that computers have made combat more deadly and potentially catastrophic. Weizenbaum worked for General Electric as a computer systems engineer in the late 1950s and early 1960s, before becoming an instructor in the Department of Computer Science at MIT in 1963. In 1970 he was appointed professor of computer science and engineering at MIT and also became editor of the International Journal of Man-Machine Studies. In his published work, Weizenbaum emphasizes the dangers associated with substituting computer technology for human to human contact in counseling, legal situations, and language translation. In 1973 Weizenbaum was honored as the Vinton Hays Senior Research Fellow at Harvard University. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Some Editions
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title*
- Computerkracht en mensenmacht
- Original title
- Computer power and human reason : from judgment to calculation
- Alternate titles*
- Computerkracht en mensenmacht : van oordeel tot berekening
- Original publication date
- 1976
- Original language*
- Engels
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
Classifications
- Genres
- Technology, Nonfiction, Philosophy, General Nonfiction, Science & Nature
- DDC/MDS
- 001.64 — Computer science, information & general works Computer science, knowledge & systems Knowledge and learning in general [Formerly: Data Processing] [formerly : Electronic]
- LCC
- QA76 .W44 — Science Mathematics Mathematics Instruments and machines Calculating machines Electronic computers. Computer science Computer software
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 474
- Popularity
- 64,004
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (4.08)
- Languages
- 6 — Dutch, English, German, Italian, Swedish, Turkish
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 17
- ASINs
- 6
