Cretu, Ana-Maria (2024) Human Computers as Instruments. [Preprint]

Text Human Computers as Instruments.pdf Download (226kB)

Abstract

Human computers and scanners were scientific workers who per- formed calculations or reduced and analysed data before the advent of electronic computers. They were a staple of big science during the 19th century and early to mid 20th century. Yet, despite their prevalence within big science their epistemic roles remain virtually unexamined. This paper investigates the epistemic roles of the Harvard Human Computers at the Harvard College Observatory 1880-1920 and of the Bristol Scanners at the Bristol Nuclear Research Group 1935-1955. We identify, evaluate, and compare three frameworks which help us understand the instrumentalisation of human computers and scanners and the downstream negative consequences of their instrumentalisation for the methodology of science.

---

Export/Citation:

EndNote | BibTeX | Dublin Core | ASCII/Text Citation (Chicago) | HTML Citation | OpenURL

Social Networking:

Share |

---

Item Type:	Preprint
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID Cretu, Ana-Maria d.cretuanamaria@gmail.com
Keywords:	human computers, scanners, big science, methodology of science, epistemic injustice
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Astrophysics General Issues > Feminist Approaches Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics
Depositing User:	Dr. Ana-Maria Cretu
Date Deposited:	15 Oct 2024 12:52
Last Modified:	15 Oct 2024 12:52
Item ID:	24064
Subjects:	Specific Sciences > Physics > Astrophysics General Issues > Feminist Approaches Specific Sciences > Physics > Fields and Particles General Issues > History of Science Case Studies Specific Sciences > Physics
Date:	14 October 2024
URI:	https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/24064

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Monthly Downloads for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics

Actions (login required)

View Item