Turing's Man: Western Culture in the Computer Age

Bolter, J. David

ISBN 10: 0807841080 / ISBN 13: 9780807841082

Published by Univ of North Carolina Pr, 1984

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Turing's Man: Western Culture in the Computer Age
• Publisher: Univ of North Carolina Pr
• Publication Date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0807841080
• ISBN 13: 9780807841082
• Binding: paperback
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

Trained in both classics and computer science, Bolter considers the cultural impact of computers on our age, comparing the computer to earlier technologies that redefined fundamental notions of time, space, language, memory, and human creativity. Surprisingly, he finds that in many ways the outlook of the computer age bears more resemblance to that of the ancient world than to that of the Enlightenment. The classical philosopher and the computer programmer share share a suspicion of infinity, an acceptance of necessary limitations on human achievement, and a belief that results are more important than motives.

Although Bolter fears that the growing use of computers may well diminish out culture's sense of the historical and intellectual context of human endeavor, he contends that the computer also offers new ways of looking at intellectual freedom, creativity, and the conservation of precious resources.

About the Author

J. David Bolter is Wesley Chair of New Media at Georgia Institute of Technology. He is author or coauthor of three other books, including Windows and Mirrors: Interaction Design, Digital Art, and the Myth of Transparency.