Manmachine, version 0.1
The "Logic Piano," by William Stanley Jevons, was the 19th century predecessor to the modern computer, relying on careful consideration and modification of Boolean logic applied to mechanical operators. It was possibly inspired by an anecdote from the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus, regarding a dog that could, in effect, make associations and learn, and then generalize its learning to new stimuli. While overshadowed in contemporary lore by Babbage's difference engine, the Logic Piano is arguably more relevant due to its lasting innovations in Boolean logic, which help lay a more solid foundation to Claude Shannon's later work.
What is most fascinating to me, however, is the route that the scholar made towards this train of thought. He began in the area of moral philosophy, and then approached the problem of recent shortages of coal as well as economic cycles. He also approached complex problems such as energy economics, coming up with what is known as Jevon's Paradox: that energy shortage may inspire increased efficiency, which may in turn lower energy costs and cause increased energy utilization. So in this sense, his entire body of work can be considered humanistic, in that it is entirely inspired by problems in his everyday surroundings.
http://www.gap-system.org/~history/Biographies/Jevons.html
Link to one of many useful Google hits.
One of the purposes of this post is to provide some context for the post below, regarding the deplorable uselessness of nihilistic humor a la South Park, when compared to actual intellectual activity, or thought. I've enjoyed individual episodes of the program with friends, but have always remained suspicious of the consequences and inspiration of its brand of humor. Toxic in large doses.
Manmachine, version 0.1
The "Logic Piano," by William Stanley Jevons, was the 19th century predecessor to the modern computer, relying on careful consideration and modification of Boolean logic applied to mechanical operators. It was possibly inspired by an anecdote from the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus, regarding a dog that could, in effect, make associations and learn, and then generalize its learning to new stimuli. While overshadowed in contemporary lore by Babbage's difference engine, the Logic Piano is arguably more relevant due to its lasting innovations in Boolean logic, which help lay a more solid foundation to Claude Shannon's later work.
What is most fascinating to me, however, is the route that the scholar made towards this train of thought. He began in the area of moral philosophy, and then approached the problem of recent shortages of coal as well as economic cycles. He also approached complex problems such as energy economics, coming up with what is known as Jevon's Paradox: that energy shortage may inspire increased efficiency, which may in turn lower energy costs and cause increased energy utilization. So in this sense, his entire body of work can be considered humanistic, in that it is entirely inspired by problems in his everyday surroundings.
http://www.gap-system.org/~history/Biographies/Jevons.html
Link to one of many useful Google hits.
One of the purposes of this post is to provide some context for the post below, regarding the deplorable uselessness of nihilistic humor a la South Park, when compared to actual intellectual activity, or thought. I've enjoyed individual episodes of the program with friends, but have always remained suspicious of the consequences and inspiration of its brand of humor. Toxic in large doses.
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