Intellectual disciplines such as cognitive science and artificial intelligence, which previously supported hard mastery, are themselves undergoing changes that make it impossible for them to support a somewhat more “formalist” intellectual climate. A classical modernist vision of computer intelligence has made room for a romantic postmodern one. At this juncture, there is potential for a more welcoming environment for women, humanists, and artists in the technical culture.
Predictor: Turkle, Sherry
Prediction, in context:In her 1995 book “Life on the Screen,” Sherry Turkle – an accomplished social psychologist, sociologist and anthropologist from MIT whose studies centered around people and computers for decades – writes: ”The culture of personal computing now makes room for ways of knowing that depend on the ‘concrete’ manipulation of virtual paintbrushes and paints, virtual pens and paper. And we shall see that intellectual disciplines such as cognitive science and artificial intelligence, which previously supported hard mastery, are themselves undergoing changes that make it impossible for them to support a somewhat more ‘formalist’ intellectual climate. A classical modernist vision of computer intelligence has made room for a romantic postmodern one. At this juncture, there is potential for a more welcoming environment for women, humanists, and artists in the technical culture.”
Biography:Sherry Turkle was the author of “Life on the Screen: Computers and the Human Spirit.” and a professor of the psychology of science at MIT. (Research Scientist/Illuminator.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Digital Divide
Name of publication: Life on the Screen (book)
Title, headline, chapter name: Chapter 2: The Triumph of Tinkering
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 63
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney