This thesis details and analyzes the interaction between computers and science in a particular case. The case is the career of Wallace J. Eckert (1902-1971). Eckert was a professor of astronomy at Columbia University and scientific researcher for IBM. He has received some attention in the history of computing for his significant work in machine computation in the 1930s and 1940s and was the foremost expert on lunar theory for much of his life. First the existing secondary literature on the subject is discussed. Eckert's work has rarely been the focus of sustained historical scrutiny, but the question of the relation of science and the computer has received more scholarship in the history, philosophy and sociology of science. The main narrative of the thesis begins with the history of the various mathematical techniques and external aids to computation used over the course of the history of celestial mechanics. Having set the context, Eckert's early life and career is detailed up until 1945. Here, before the modern computer as such was developed, Eckert innovated by adapting IBM punched card machines to astronomical applications. Next Eckert's time as a scientific researcher employed by IBM after 1945 is detailed. Here he helped establish a culture of scientific research at IBM, demonstrated the value of IBM's products for science, aided in the development of new more complex machine designs including electronic systems and continued his own astronomical research. Eckert's major projects on electronic machines are described, especially those in lunar theory, with explanation of how his astronomical methods remained the same or were modified and expanded by later electronic machines and how he innovated with the machines at his disposal. In the conclusion, after summarizing later developments in celestial mechanics, broader questions about the modern computer's role in science are engaged. Continuity between pre and post computer methods is well illustrated by Eckert's work. His work also shows that while the computer was a force for change in celestial mechanics, the form of that change depended on the choices, resources and practices of the people using it.

This thesis details and analyzes the interaction between computers and science in a particular case. The case is the career of Wallace J. Eckert (1902-1971). Eckert was a professor of astronomy at Columbia University and scientific researcher for IBM. He has received some attention in the history of computing for his significant work in machine computation in the 1930s and 1940s and was the foremost expert on lunar theory for much of his life. First the existing secondary literature on the subject is discussed. Eckert's work has rarely been the focus of sustained historical scrutiny, but the question of the relation of science and the computer has received more scholarship in the history, philosophy and sociology of science. The main narrative of the thesis begins with the history of the various mathematical techniques and external aids to computation used over the course of the history of celestial mechanics. Having set the context, Eckert's early life and career is detailed up until 1945. Here, before the modern computer as such was developed, Eckert innovated by adapting IBM punched card machines to astronomical applications. Next Eckert's time as a scientific researcher employed by IBM after 1945 is detailed. Here he helped establish a culture of scientific research at IBM, demonstrated the value of IBM's products for science, aided in the development of new more complex machine designs including electronic systems and continued his own astronomical research. Eckert's major projects on electronic machines are described, especially those in lunar theory, with explanation of how his astronomical methods remained the same or were modified and expanded by later electronic machines and how he innovated with the machines at his disposal. In the conclusion, after summarizing later developments in celestial mechanics, broader questions about the modern computer's role in science are engaged. Continuity between pre and post computer methods is well illustrated by Eckert's work. His work also shows that while the computer was a force for change in celestial mechanics, the form of that change depended on the choices, resources and practices of the people using it.

The thesis argues for the necessity and value of a two-way interaction between high-level abstractions and rich historical narratives mediated by middle-range theories. The basic assumptions of critical realism are used to derive a socio-technical metatheory which, in turn, structures the synthesis of specific substantive theories. The conceptual tools provided by the Multi-Level Perspective, Analytical Sociology and (Technological) Systems of Innovation frameworks guide the study of the cases. The empirical core of the thesis consists of detailed histories of the birth, development and decay of ten different personal computer production attempts in the Soviet Baltic states roughly between 1977 and 1992. In order to generalize from the historical narratives a novel analytical technique is developed and employed. The resulting middle-range theorization locates the mechanisms and patterns of the evolution of these cases on three different levels of aggregation: intra-case, inter-case and system-level. Finally, the study makes analytical contributions to the socio-technical metatheory and provides philosophical justifications based on actual research practice for retaining the realist position.

This special session will involve three related components. It will begin with a history of the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (the Code), its evolving presence in the computing curriculum guidelines over time, and its documented use outside of academe. This will lead into an overview of the major changes to the Code that occurred in the most recent update. The third component and primary focus of the session will be to work with participants to identify ways that ACM and the ACM Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE) can help Computer Science educators integrate the Code as broadly as possible into diverse programs, ranging from Kindergarten to PhD-level. The outcome of the session would be a preliminary set of guidelines for programs and departments to adopt the Code, potential challenges to be addressed when formalizing those guidelines, and suggested approaches to resolve these difficulties. If attendance is sufficiently large, we would adopt a jigsaw model, breaking into smaller focus groups that are tasked with distinct portions of the Code. Each group reports back at the end, and members of COPE will collate the results into a document for future distribution and work.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-26T18:12:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Giovani Pagliusi Lobato e Moura.pdf: 1595970 bytes, checksum: 7be1c9d3b20354f96fcb6b7ad7d7e28f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-05-15 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This Masters Dissertation proposes to analyze the compound command copy and paste of the operational keyboard. Mapping the factors involved in the procedure contextualizes its origins, its main aspects, and the way in which copy and paste plays an important role in shaping and organizing thought in today s society through the convergence of communication and information technologies. The scope of this investigation, of a solely theoretical nature, comprises examples that do not include digital networks, thus enabling us to recognize some of the features of copy and paste that are not exclusively part of the current interactive movement. A strategic presentation of copy and paste in the cybercultural domain is then introduced as a potentiating instrument of behavior that leads to thinking along the lines of current virtual patterns. The research problem consists of the following questions: What are the factors that favor the inclination to use this command? Can a person use copy and paste as a factor of accessibility that suggests a kind of thinking unlike the other existing types? Or does copy and paste propose a shortcut whereby some categories of thought are suspended in favor of others? What are these categories? As its primary hypothesis, this study considers that thought is transformed insofar as social relations tend towards a necessarily instrumental and hybrid perspective endorsed by emergent technological discoveries. The study materializes a theoretical reflection about the possible changes that thinking undergoes when using copy and paste resources. The routes that are followed here propose the existence of a thought process parallel to traditional discursive thought. A type of thinking driven by rapid and image-related strategies emerges in the relationship between the subject and computing processes, based on simplifying aspects that favor a considerably more contemplative reflection of the object. It is a thought process that has developed from a civilizatory logic in which evolutionary patterns must be considered that simultaneously involve the current status of society, of history and of the subject. Since there is no specific theory about cyberspacerelated operational commands, the rationale of this research focused on theoretical proposals founded upon the category of critique consolidated in the last few decades, based on the following authors: Jean-François Lyotard, Fredric Jameson and Krishan Kumar (postmodernity), Paul Virilio (dromology), Eugênio Trivinho (cybercultural dromocracy), Philippe Breton (communication as a utopistic value), Flusser (surface thinking) and Jean Baudrillard (consumption and excess) / A presente Dissertação de Mestrado destina-se à análise do comando composto copiar e colar do teclado operacional. Por meio de um mapeamento dos fatores envolvidos no procedimento, cumpre-se a contextualização de suas origens, de seus principais aspectos e a maneira como o copiar e colar assume um papel importante na modulação e na organização do pensamento na sociedade atual, configurada pela convergência entre a comunicação e tecnologias informáticas. O arco de investigação, de natureza exclusivamente teórica, integra exemplos nos quais as redes digitais não entram em cena, justamente para reconhecermos algumas características do copiar e colar que não são exclusivas do movimento interativo atual. Posteriormente, o copiar e colar é estrategicamente apresentado, já na esfera cibercultural, como instrumento potencializador de condutas, situação que inclina o pensamento a entrar em consonância com os moldes virtuais correntes. O problema de pesquisa reside nos seguintes questionamentos: Quais fatores favorecem uma determinada disposição de uso do comando? O sujeito pode assumir o copiar e colar como um fator de acessibilidade que sugere um gênero de pensamento diferente dos outros existentes? Ou o copiar e colar propõe um atalho em que algumas categorias do pensamento são suspensas em prol do advento de outras? Quais? Como hipótese principal, o estudo considera que o pensamento é transformado na medida em que as relações sociais se inclinam a uma perspectiva necessariamente instrumental e híbrida, sancionada pelas descobertas tecnológicas emergenciais. O estudo materializou uma reflexão teórica focando as possíveis transformações que o pensamento acaba por sofrer ao usar o copiar e colar . Os caminhos percorridos propõem a existência de um pensamento paralelo ao tradicional discursivo. Na relação entre sujeito e processos informáticos, nasce um tipo de pensamento orientado por estratégias velozes e imagéticas baseado em aspectos simplificadores que favorecem uma reflexão substancialmente mais contemplativa do objeto. Trata-se de um pensamento desenvolvido sob uma lógica civilizatória na qual devemos considerar padrões evolutivos que envolvem, simultaneamente, o estado da sociedade atual, da história e do sujeito. Por não haver uma teoria específica sobre comandos operacionais vinculados ao ciberespaço, a fundamentação da pesquisa privilegiou propostas teóricas baseadas na categoria da critica e consolidadas nas últimas décadas, com base nos seguintes autores: Jean-François Lyotard, Fredric Jameson e Krishan Kumar (pós-modernidade); Paul Virilio (dromologia); Eugênio Trivinho (dromocracia cibercultural); Philippe Breton (comunicação como valor utópico); Vilém Flusser (pensamento em superfície) e Jean Baudrillard (consumo e excesso)

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T14:16:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Eli Banks Liberato da Costa.pdf: 7788655 bytes, checksum: 8a2e3668051ba71d8dfce7fc45af3a33 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-10-15 / The theme of the origins of computers has aroused controversies that are not always well enlightened. This paper intends to contribute to the subject focusing on the mechanical calculating machines designed in the first half of the nineteenth century by Charles Babbage (1791-1871). It presents the main motivations of its inventor, his ideas, difficulties and ingenuity to face some completely new and challenging technical problems. We also analyze the French motivations and solution to solve calculus problems. In the context of that time, we examined carefully the question of communication between man and machine, so far an intriguing innovation that generated enthusiasm, controversy and many speculations. We highlight Babbage s perception that there was "some slight analogy to the operation of the faculty of memory", an idea shared by some of his contemporaries. Even at that time, then, the idea of the "thinking machine" arose, ancestor of the more recent idea of the "electronic brain". Finally we refer to the not so expressive Babbage s technical legacy as opposed to a meaningful and engaging fact that he stimulated an opening for a new and fascinating human activity: the dialogue between man and the machine of his creation. Keywords / O tema das origens dos computadores tem despertado controvérsias que nem sempre ficam bem esclarecidas. Este trabalho pretende contribuir com esse assunto focalizando as máquinas calculadoras mecânicas projetadas na primeira metade do século XIX por Charles Babbage (1791-1871). São apresentadas as principais motivações de seu inventor, suas ideias, dificuldades e engenhosidade ao enfrentar alguns problemas técnicos completamente novos e desafiantes. Analisamos também as motivações e solução francesa para resolver os problemas de cálculo. No contexto dessa época, aprofundamo-nos na questão da comunicação do homem com a máquina, então uma intrigante novidade que gerou entusiasmos, controvérsias e muitas especulações. Destacamos a percepção de Babbage de que havia alguma leve analogia com as faculdades da memória , ideia compartilhada com alguns de seus contemporâneos. Surge então, já naquela época, a ideia da máquina de pensar , ancestral da idéia mais recente do cérebro eletrônico . Finalmente referimo-nos ao não tão expressivo legado técnico de Babbage em contraposição a um significativo e envolvente fato dele ter estimulado uma abertura para uma nova e fascinante atividade humana: o diálogo do homem com a máquina de sua criação

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T14:16:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Odecio Souza.pdf: 1132556 bytes, checksum: 86cffae67d3bdc81e3ece242d06316fc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-02 / In this essay, we intend to analyze the participation of Edgar Frank "Ted" Codd in the organization of the theoretical foundations that allowed the creation of the "Technological Object" known as "Relational Data Base Management System", thus offering a contribution to the History of Computing / No presente ensaio, pretendemos analisar a participação de Edgar Frank Ted Codd na organização das bases teóricas que permitiram a criação do "Objeto Tecnológico" conhecido como "Sistema Gerenciador de Banco de Dados Relacional", oferecendo assim uma contribuição para a História da Computação

Cette thèse examine la formation des citoyens à l'Âge de l'information en comparant les visions et les pratiques d’alphabétisation et d’enseignement de la culture informatique aux enfants et au grand public aux États-Unis, en France, et en Union soviétique. Les programmes d'alphabétisation et d'acculturation informatique ont été lancés dans ces trois pays dans les années 1970 avec pour objectif l'adaptation des individus à la vie dans la société informatisée telle qu'elle était envisagée par les savants, penseurs et praticiens dans chaque contexte culturel et sociopolitique. La thèse porte sur les idées et influences de trois personnes qui ont joué des rôles importants dans la promotion des initiatives d'éducation en informatique dans chacun des pays étudiés : Seymour Papert aux États-Unis, Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber en France, et Andrei Ershov en Union Soviétique. Selon ces pionniers, devenir alphabétisé ou cultivé en informatique signifiait plus qu’acquérir des compétences vis-à-vis de l’ordinateur ou bien apprendre à être un utilisateur passif du micro-ordinateur. Chaque pionnier envisageait une façon distincte d’incorporer la machine dans la manière de penser et d'être des individus -- comme une augmentation cognitive aux États-Unis, comme une culture en France, ou bien comme un partenaire dans l'Union Soviétique. Les hybrides hommes ordinateurs en résultant exigeaient tous une relation ludique à l'ordinateur personnel conçu comme un espace libre, non structuré et propice à l’exploration créatrice. Dans cette étude, je trace la réalisation de ces hybrides hommes-ordinateurs à partir de leurs origines dans les visions des quelques pionniers, de leur incorporation dans le matériel, les logiciels, et les programmes éducatifs, de leur développement dans les expériences locales avec les enfants et les communautés, et, enfin dans leur mise en œuvre à l'échelle de la nation. Dans ce processus d'extension, les visions des pionniers se heurtent à de puissants imaginaires sociotechniques (sociotechnical imaginaries) de l’État. Je montre alors pour chaque cas, comment, suite à la confrontation avec ces imaginaires, les visions des pionniers ne sont pas pleinement réalisées. En conclusion, je propose une lecture de la manière dont les imaginaires du Vingtième siècle de citoyens alphabétisés ou cultivés en informatique s’étendent au-delà de leurs points d'origine et se connectent à des aspects contemporains de la constitution des humains dans un monde informatisé. / In this dissertation I trace the formation of citizens of the information age by comparing visions and practices to make children and the general public computer literate or cultured in the United States, France, and the Soviet Union. Computer literacy and computer culture programs in these three countries began in the early 1970s as efforts to adapt people to life in the information society as it was envisioned by scholars, thinkers, and practitioners in each cultural and sociopolitical context. The dissertation focuses on the ideas and influence of three individuals who played formative roles in propelling computer education initiatives in each country: Seymour Papert in the United States, Jean-Jacques Servan-Schreiber in France, and Andrei Ershov in the Soviet Union. According to these pioneers, to become computer literate or computer cultured meant more than developing computer skills or learning how to passively use the personal computer. Each envisioned a distinctive way of incorporating the machine into the individual human’s ways of thinking and being—as a cognitive enhancement in the United States, as a culture in France, and as a partner in the Soviet Union. The resulting human-computer hybrids all demanded what I call a playful relationship to the personal computer, that is, a domain of free and unstructured, exploratory creativity. I trace the realization of these human-computer hybrids from their origins in the visions of a few pioneers to their embedding in particular hardware, software, and educational curricula, through to their development in localized experiments with children and communities, and finally to their implementation at the scale of the nation. In that process of extension, pioneering visions bumped up against powerful sociotechnical imaginaries of the nation state in each country, and I show how, as a result of that clash, in each national case the visions of the pioneers failed to be fully realized. In conclusion, I suggest ways in which the twentieth-century imaginaries of the computer literate citizen extend beyond their points of origin and connect to aspects of the contemporary constitutions of humans in the computerized world.