Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Geoffrey Bowker
Professor Emeritus, Department of Informatics
UC Irvine
Abstract:
I discuss three broad rubrics for tracking the history and future of computing.
First, I explore computing and nature – analyzing several attempts to naturalize the computer.
Second, I look at computing and time, arguing that we (humans) are moving into uncharted ontological territory.
Third, I examine classification and computing.
I conclude with grounds for optimism.
Bio:
Geoffrey C. Bowker is Emeritus Donald Bren Chair at the School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California at Irvine. Together with Leigh Star he wrote Sorting Things Out: Classification and its Consequences; his most recent books are Memory Practices in the Sciences and (with Stefan Timmermans, Adele Clarke and Ellen Balka) the edited collection: Boundary Objects and Beyond: Working with Leigh Star. He is currently working on time and computing under the rubric ‘life at the femtosecond’.
Geoffrey Bowker
Professor Emeritus, Department of Informatics
UC Irvine
Abstract:
I discuss three broad rubrics for tracking the history and future of computing.
First, I explore computing and nature – analyzing several attempts to naturalize the computer.
Second, I look at computing and time, arguing that we (humans) are moving into uncharted ontological territory.
Third, I examine classification and computing.
I conclude with grounds for optimism.
Bio:
Geoffrey C. Bowker is Emeritus Donald Bren Chair at the School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California at Irvine. Together with Leigh Star he wrote Sorting Things Out: Classification and its Consequences; his most recent books are Memory Practices in the Sciences and (with Stefan Timmermans, Adele Clarke and Ellen Balka) the edited collection: Boundary Objects and Beyond: Working with Leigh Star. He is currently working on time and computing under the rubric ‘life at the femtosecond’.
