The pieces by Bush, Licklider, and Nelson in the New Media Reader seem to continue expounding upon the question that Turing and Wiener were interested in: just how do humans think and what does that mean for the design and use of technology? Just what is a well-designed tool that will allow scientists and, by implication, the rest of us work in the most productive way that we can. Are there generalizations that can be drawn about how humans work, or is the only constant involved in human thought the notion of change? Bush (pictured on right — looks a bit like Gibson, no?), Licklider, and Nelson are interested not only in how the individual records her knowledge, but how then she shares it with the rest of the world. Computing technology, suggest all three, might hold the answer.
About G. R. Lucas
Gerald "Jerry" R. Lucas is an English Professor, photographer, science fiction geek, Mac and Linux dude, devoted husband, cat owner, part-time runner, full-time vegan, BMW motorcyclist, and Mini Cooper "S" driver. And this is his web site.
