Cargo cult computer science
This event took place on Friday 02 July 2004 at 13:00
Prof. Harold Thimbleby Computer Science Department, University of Wales, United Kingdom
Arguably, computers and communications have changed the world more than any other science or technology. Yet there are a lot of failures, some prominent, many minor, and a widening gap between aspirations and reality - with environmental consequences. Borrowing Richard Feynman's criticism of cargo cult science, I discuss some ways we all are doing cargo cult computer science. To paraphrase Feynman: everywhere we have computers that look like they are doing the right things, but they don't work. After pointing out the widespread problems, the emphasis on the seminar will turn to our own behaviour: the evidence of poor science in research computing, and what we can positively do about it.
The talk naturally relates to software engineering, HCI, and computer science research, including "RAE publishing" more generally. Variations of the talk have been presented before, and it is quite controversial and provocative. Come along and contribute or argue!
This event took place on Friday 02 July 2004 at 13:00
Arguably, computers and communications have changed the world more than any other science or technology. Yet there are a lot of failures, some prominent, many minor, and a widening gap between aspirations and reality - with environmental consequences. Borrowing Richard Feynman's criticism of cargo cult science, I discuss some ways we all are doing cargo cult computer science. To paraphrase Feynman: everywhere we have computers that look like they are doing the right things, but they don't work. After pointing out the widespread problems, the emphasis on the seminar will turn to our own behaviour: the evidence of poor science in research computing, and what we can positively do about it.
The talk naturally relates to software engineering, HCI, and computer science research, including "RAE publishing" more generally. Variations of the talk have been presented before, and it is quite controversial and provocative. Come along and contribute or argue!
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