the importance of humanities in information technology

38
The Importance of The Importance of Humanities in Humanities in Information Information Technology Technology Edward R. Bosteter Edward R. Bosteter

Upload: bosteter

Post on 16-Apr-2015

74 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

DESCRIPTION

Ed B. WGU Humanities presentation.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

The Importance of The Importance of Humanities in Information Humanities in Information

Technology Technology

Edward R. BosteterEdward R. Bosteter

Page 2: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Johnny MnemonicJohnny MnemonicA short story by A short story by William Gibson William Gibson

Figure 1. William Gibson (2012). Note: Adapted from

FamousAuthors.org. Retrieved 04:07, January 21, 2013

from http://www.famousauthors.org/william-gibson

Page 3: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

It first appeared in It first appeared in Omni magazine in Omni magazine in

May 1981, and was May 1981, and was included in included in Burning Burning

ChromeChrome, a collection , a collection of short stories, in of short stories, in

1986.1986.

Figure 2.  Burning Chrome first edition (n.d.) Note: Adapted from L.W. Curry.com. Retrieved 8:57 January 21, 2013 from http://www.lwcurrey.com/pages/books/109963/william-gibson/burning-chrome

Page 4: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Play Ultra-redPlay Ultra-red

Sony MaoSony Mao

An album of forty An album of forty tracks of experimental tracks of experimental electro-acoustical electro-acoustical music. music.

Figure 3.  Cover art Sony Mao Play Ultra-Red (2004). Note: Adapted from http://www.publicrec.org. Retrieved 8:57 January 21, 2013 from http://www.publicrec.org/archive/2-01/2-01-007/2-01-007.jpg. Licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA

3.0

Page 5: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Good and EvilGood and EvilJason SalavonJason Salavon

Archival inkjet prints, dual monitors, computer & custom software of Archival inkjet prints, dual monitors, computer & custom software of 50,000 image files50,000 image files

Figure 4. Good and Evil [Photograph] (2012) Note: Adapted from markmooregallery.com. Retrieved 6:57 January 21, 2013 from http://www.markmooregallery.com/exhibitions/2012-04-14_jason-salavon/works/7/

Page 6: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

It’s not the technology but what you do It’s not the technology but what you do with it that is important.with it that is important.

Technology does not determine human action, but rather, Technology does not determine human action, but rather, human action shapes technology. human action shapes technology. Johnny MnemonicJohnny Mnemonic escapes his technological definition and becomes more escapes his technological definition and becomes more human.human.

Technology should not define us, but should be a vehicle for Technology should not define us, but should be a vehicle for human endeavor. human endeavor. Play Ultra-RedPlay Ultra-Red moves human endeavor moves human endeavor forward by giving voice to the oppressed.forward by giving voice to the oppressed.

The value of technology is in its application. The value of technology is in its application. Good and Evil Good and Evil  uses the internet search engine to demonstrate our  uses the internet search engine to demonstrate our relationship with language and images.relationship with language and images.

Just as the reader, viewer or listener adds the final Just as the reader, viewer or listener adds the final interpretation to a piece of art, our use of a technology interpretation to a piece of art, our use of a technology defines its value – it’s not the technology but what you do defines its value – it’s not the technology but what you do with it. with it.

Page 7: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Who is Johnny Mnemonic?

A fictional short story filled with technological extrapolations that blends the elements of noir with dystopic literature and allegory - “cyberpunk”. The protagonist is a cynical, disillusioned loner caught up in the criminal underworld of a future society that is a warning about the effects of post-modern late capitalism and rampant technology.

Johnny is a technologically created savant information courier. His implants store information, legal and illegal, that have put him on a Yakuza hit list. He seeks more technology to overcome his assassin, remove the information, and use it to return to a more normal life.

Page 8: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

How is it done?

The story is told from Johnny’s point of view in first person narration. The superspecific description of life in the Sprawl and Gibson’s use of

syntactic allusion allow the reader to make their own assumptions and to illustrate his plot.

Traditional plot - the down-and-out gangster who's been jerked around and wants to get even by pulling the big heist.

A prequel set in the world of Gibson’s cyberpunk Sprawl trilogy –Neuromancer (1984), Count Zero (1986), and Mona Lisa Overdrive (1988) - a post World War III world controlled by corporate entities and profuse technology.

Use of brand names and twentieth century terminology, mixed with terms from both the “time” periods - a “Volks Module” emergency vehicle and a white android - “Caucasoid”.

Use of cyberpunk elements - futuristic slang and street talk, technical and professional jargon and lingoes, designer drugs, cyber-realities, and cybernetic enhancements and modifications.

Page 9: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

What is What is Play Ultra-RedPlay Ultra-Red??

Play Ultra-redPlay Ultra-red is an album of experimental is an album of experimental electro-acoustical music.electro-acoustical music.

““The agents of granular digital sound The agents of granular digital sound processing, Sony Mao set upon Ultra-red's processing, Sony Mao set upon Ultra-red's "Articles of Incorporation." Mining the "Articles of Incorporation." Mining the Ultra-red album of previously unheard Ultra-red album of previously unheard tapes, Sony Mao constructs a contrary tapes, Sony Mao constructs a contrary history of sound as negation and possibility history of sound as negation and possibility in forty tracks of one minute each.” in forty tracks of one minute each.”

(Public Record Archive #(Public Record Archive #2.01.007, 2004, para. 2.01.007, 2004, para. 1)1)

Sony Mao (2004, track 4)

Page 10: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Who are Ultra-red? Who are Ultra-red?

““Founded in 1994 by AIDS activists in Los Angeles, the sound art andFounded in 1994 by AIDS activists in Los Angeles, the sound art andactivism group Ultra-red has uniquely come to define the possibilitiesactivism group Ultra-red has uniquely come to define the possibilitiesof an electronic music directly engaged with political struggle. Thisof an electronic music directly engaged with political struggle. Thisyear, 2004, the four-member group marks its ten-year anniversary byyear, 2004, the four-member group marks its ten-year anniversary byreorganizing itself into a sound art organization. A featured outletreorganizing itself into a sound art organization. A featured outletfor new projects will be the internet-based archive, Public Record.”for new projects will be the internet-based archive, Public Record.”

(Public Record Archive #2.01.007, (Public Record Archive #2.01.007, Press ReleasePress Release , 2004, para. 1) , 2004, para. 1)

““For its debut, Public Record announces the release of "Articles of For its debut, Public Record announces the release of "Articles of Incorporation" (Public Record No. 2.01.006) an album of field Incorporation" (Public Record No. 2.01.006) an album of field recordings by Ultra-red. The forty tracks, each one-minute in length, recordings by Ultra-red. The forty tracks, each one-minute in length, are taken from digital tapes recorded over the ten years of the group's are taken from digital tapes recorded over the ten years of the group's history. None of these tapes were ever used in Ultra-red projects and history. None of these tapes were ever used in Ultra-red projects and are heard here for the first time.”are heard here for the first time.”

(Public Record Archive #2.01.007, (Public Record Archive #2.01.007, Press ReleasePress Release , 2004, para. 2) , 2004, para. 2)

Figure 7. ultrareds_sm [gif file] (2000) Note: Adapted from http://www.ultrared.org. Copyright Ultrared 2000. Retrieved January 22, 2013 from ultrared.org.

Page 11: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Who is Sony Mao?Who is Sony Mao? ““Heroes of the granular-synthesis underground since Heroes of the granular-synthesis underground since

2000, Sony Mao investigate electro-acoustic chaos 2000, Sony Mao investigate electro-acoustic chaos from the random interaction and layering of modules. from the random interaction and layering of modules. The rhythmic and repetitious results have appeared on The rhythmic and repetitious results have appeared on the release "Trnsmssn.0014" for Miami's Beta Bodega, the release "Trnsmssn.0014" for Miami's Beta Bodega, as well as a full length release on the Mego-associated as well as a full length release on the Mego-associated Fals.ch label titled, "A Final Balance.“Fals.ch label titled, "A Final Balance.“

Both Ultra-red's "Articles of Incorporation" and Sony Both Ultra-red's "Articles of Incorporation" and Sony Mao’s "Play Ultra- red" are available exclusively for Mao’s "Play Ultra- red" are available exclusively for down-load on Public Record. True to its name, Public down-load on Public Record. True to its name, Public Record offers all downloads for free and are protected Record offers all downloads for free and are protected under a Creative Commons fair-use agreement.”under a Creative Commons fair-use agreement.”

(Public Record Archive #2.01.007, (Public Record Archive #2.01.007, Press ReleasePress Release , , 2004, para. 5,6)2004, para. 5,6)

Sony Mao (2004, track 30)

Page 12: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

What is open licensing?What is open licensing? Play Ultra-Red Play Ultra-Red is released under a BY-NC-SA 3.0 is released under a BY-NC-SA 3.0

creative commons license.creative commons license.

““This license lets others remix, tweak, and build This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon your work non-commercially, as long as upon your work non-commercially, as long as they credit you and license their new creations they credit you and license their new creations under the identical terms.” under the identical terms.” (Creativecommons.org, n.d.)(Creativecommons.org, n.d.)

Figure 5. by-nc-sa.png [png file] (n.d.) Licensed

under Creative Commons BY 3.0

Page 13: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

What is Play Ultra-Red?What is Play Ultra-Red?

Sampling, mix and remix of previously unheard tapes from “Articles of Sampling, mix and remix of previously unheard tapes from “Articles of Incorporation” are used to create each track. Each track is exactly one Incorporation” are used to create each track. Each track is exactly one minute long - each with a file size of 1,699K.minute long - each with a file size of 1,699K.

““These forty tracks become the source material for the second Public These forty tracks become the source material for the second Public Record album, Sony Mao’s Play Ultra-red" (Public Record No. 2.01.007) Record album, Sony Mao’s Play Ultra-red" (Public Record No. 2.01.007) Also composed of forty tracks, Sony Mao's album feeds upon the field Also composed of forty tracks, Sony Mao's album feeds upon the field recordings to imagine alternative routes both in sound and in action.”recordings to imagine alternative routes both in sound and in action.”

(Public Record Archive #2.01.007, (Public Record Archive #2.01.007, Press ReleasePress Release , 2004, para. 4) , 2004, para. 4)

Sony Mao (2004, track 6)

Page 14: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Why is it “artistic”?Why is it “artistic”? Rhythm is often absent - or it is created by the Rhythm is often absent - or it is created by the

repetition of sounds - it ranges from hypnotic to repetition of sounds - it ranges from hypnotic to compelling to driving.compelling to driving.

The texture of the music moves from monophony The texture of the music moves from monophony through polyphony to cacophany.through polyphony to cacophany.

Dynamics are created when the softest recordable Dynamics are created when the softest recordable ambient sounds are amplified and shouting voices ambient sounds are amplified and shouting voices are diminished and looped as background.are diminished and looped as background.

Harmony is established with pairings - voices over Harmony is established with pairings - voices over traffic, car alarms mixed with ambulance sirens traffic, car alarms mixed with ambulance sirens which creates both dissonance and consonance, which creates both dissonance and consonance, often at the same time. often at the same time.

Page 15: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Good and EvilGood and Evil Two archival inkjet prints, dual monitors, Two archival inkjet prints, dual monitors,

computer & custom software displaying computer & custom software displaying 50,000 image files.50,000 image files.

Page 16: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

How was it made?How was it made?

The 100 most The 100 most positive words and positive words and 100 most negative 100 most negative words in the words in the English language English language were run through were run through an online image an online image search and the search and the resulting images resulting images are combined, as are combined, as well as shown well as shown individually on two individually on two computer monitors. computer monitors.

Figure 6. GoodEvil_officialList_web [png file] (2012) Note: Adapted from salavon.com. Retrieved

January 21, 2013 from http://salavon.com/work/good-and-evil-2012/image/421/

Page 17: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Beyond Multi-media…Beyond Multi-media…

Good and EvilGood and Evil is a diptych of computer- is a diptych of computer-generated art representing abstract data. The generated art representing abstract data. The left panel contains ~25k thumbnail pictures of left panel contains ~25k thumbnail pictures of positive words arranged in a sunburst pattern. positive words arranged in a sunburst pattern. The right panel has the same form as the left, The right panel has the same form as the left, but uses the 100 most negative words.but uses the 100 most negative words.Each wedge shape stripe contains images for an Each wedge shape stripe contains images for an individual term, good or evil respectively. The individual term, good or evil respectively. The video monitors rotate through all of the images video monitors rotate through all of the images that make up the piece, further elucidating the that make up the piece, further elucidating the range of the subject - from the beautiful to the range of the subject - from the beautiful to the monstrous. monstrous.

Page 18: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

What kind of art is this?What kind of art is this?

The texture of the piece is created by the The texture of the piece is created by the combination of the large number of combination of the large number of individual images, as is the overall color.individual images, as is the overall color.

The radial stripes created by each “word” The radial stripes created by each “word” provide the visual focus, balanced by the provide the visual focus, balanced by the symmetry of the two pieces, as well as the symmetry of the two pieces, as well as the small computer monitors on each side that small computer monitors on each side that cycle through all 50,000 images. cycle through all 50,000 images.

Page 19: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

A new kind of artistA new kind of artist Jason Salavon is an “Internet artist” that is Jason Salavon is an “Internet artist” that is

crossing the artistic boundaries of “multi-media”.crossing the artistic boundaries of “multi-media”.

Columbusmuseum.  (2008, Apr 8).CURRENTS: Jason Salavon - Part 1 of 3 [Video file]. Note: Adapted (3:26 – 4:16) from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzFuYf2_s8Q

Page 20: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Meaning in Mnemonic The  narrative creates a suspension of belief with

Gibson’s future as present - a sense of what it would really feel like to be alive in Gibson’s world of the near future. It is a desperate world where everything is a commodity, including the mind. It’s citizens are caught in a struggle between humanity and technology.

This struggle is emphasized by Johnny’s use of a crude hand made shotgun and his refuge in exile with the LoTeks - modern Luddites who nevertheless utilize technology as a tool for resistance to the corporate, global order. His salvation from the technology in his brain comes from a genetically modified assassin and a cyborg dolphin.

Page 21: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Mnemonic Mood

The setting is violent, dirty and industrial, filled with characters that are genetically altered with animal traits, cybernetic implants and transgender modifications. The feeling of jaded desperation begins with Johnny and continues in his acquaintances and accomplices. They all live in a world of anxious indifference, aware of technology’s dominance, but evoking a very human survival response in their denial and resistance. The narrative carries this same remote, detached, guarded feel, despite being written in the first person.

Page 22: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Theme

There is an assumed integration of technology into human society, on a more advanced level. This is expanded to modification of the human body with cybernetic implants and genetic modifications that include gender and animal traits.

Information is a metaphor for memory and the ability to carry vast amounts of information in a specially adapted human brain ultimately shows the dehumanizing effects of commodifying the human mind (and body).

Who is the villain - technology or man?

Page 23: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Personally…

Johnny Mnemonic makes us look at ourselves and the post modern effects of rampant capitalism and corporatism on the individual who is already cybernetically enhanced through today’s technology. The globalizing dynamics of late capitalism are creating a callous society of commercialism and human mechanization where technology and profit reign supreme.

Johnny smuggles stolen information, Molly Millions and the Yakuza assassin use their implants to kill, and Jones the dolphin’s enhancements allow him to commit extortion. Technology is not the villain it appears, but the person using it.

Page 24: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

The Ultra-Red MessageThe Ultra-Red Message

You have to understand the background of You have to understand the background of each track as well as the whole work - these each track as well as the whole work - these are sound recordings from activist art are sound recordings from activist art installations, protest actions, union installations, protest actions, union organizing meetings, even clashes with the organizing meetings, even clashes with the police. The subject matter is affecting and police. The subject matter is affecting and intriguing. it’s presentation makes it intriguing. it’s presentation makes it hypnotic and engaging. The listener is hypnotic and engaging. The listener is compelled to know more because it is compelled to know more because it is intended to engage the listener in political intended to engage the listener in political struggle. struggle.

Sony Mao (2004, track 30)

Page 25: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Cyberpunk AmbianceCyberpunk Ambiance

I imagine this as the background music I imagine this as the background music of the opening scene of Johnny of the opening scene of Johnny Mnemonic in the Drome - dirty, messy Mnemonic in the Drome - dirty, messy industrial sounds made from data. The industrial sounds made from data. The disembodied voices, ambient sounds of disembodied voices, ambient sounds of people, traffic and even silence looping people, traffic and even silence looping to create a beat. It is brooding and to create a beat. It is brooding and reflective with a feeling of earnest hope reflective with a feeling of earnest hope tempered by the reality of the subject. tempered by the reality of the subject.

Sony Mao (2004, track 14)

Page 26: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

What’s the Point?What’s the Point?

Music and technology can combine to communicate actual Music and technology can combine to communicate actual social experience and inspire new art, thought and political social experience and inspire new art, thought and political action.action.

The forty tracks are taken from digital tapes recorded by The forty tracks are taken from digital tapes recorded by Ultra-red over ten years and are used by the Sony Mao Ultra-red over ten years and are used by the Sony Mao group to present alternatives in music and political action. group to present alternatives in music and political action. The source material includes recordings from an encounter The source material includes recordings from an encounter with police during clean needle exchange, large and small with police during clean needle exchange, large and small protests, and a visit to an AIDS hospice in India. The protests, and a visit to an AIDS hospice in India. The technology of sampling, mixing and looping turn the technology of sampling, mixing and looping turn the underlying realities into music that is a commentary and a underlying realities into music that is a commentary and a call to action.call to action.

Page 27: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Data InterpretationData Interpretation

Information is everywhere Information is everywhere around us, and we can around us, and we can choose how to interpret it choose how to interpret it through the use of through the use of technology. Stories exist in technology. Stories exist in the data, about millions of the data, about millions of people and their actions, people and their actions, interactions and reactions.interactions and reactions.The sunburst arrangement The sunburst arrangement of the images suggest a of the images suggest a common source - the common source - the human experience. The human experience. The patterns are created by the patterns are created by the differences of that differences of that experience.experience.

Page 28: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Happy and SadHappy and Sad

Good and EvilGood and Evil has three moods. From a distance. Up close. In the has three moods. From a distance. Up close. In the reality of the images. There is not a lot of difference in the dark feel reality of the images. There is not a lot of difference in the dark feel of the two panels from a distance, which is surprising. But look up of the two panels from a distance, which is surprising. But look up close and each panel is much different, one filled with smiles, the close and each panel is much different, one filled with smiles, the other with sadness and pain. The monitors on each side, cycling other with sadness and pain. The monitors on each side, cycling through the actual images, emphasize the reality of the work. It is through the actual images, emphasize the reality of the work. It is about us and who we are ...about us and who we are ...

Figure 8. good_deet4 [png file] (2012) Note: Adapted from salavon.com. Retrieved January 21, 2013 from http://salavon.com/work/good-and-evil2012/image/425/

Figure 8. evil_deet4 [png file] (2012) Note: Adapted from salavon.com. Retrieved January 21, 2013 from http://salavon.com/work/good-and-evil-2012/image/431/

Page 29: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

Variation and MemeVariation and Meme The differences and similarities of the The differences and similarities of the

human experience are evidenced by our human experience are evidenced by our data. data.

The artist  finds insight in the abundance of The artist  finds insight in the abundance of information around us and using information around us and using technology interprets our relationship with technology interprets our relationship with language and  imagery through the filter of language and  imagery through the filter of the internet search engine. The dark mood the internet search engine. The dark mood is a surprising byproduct and is reinforced is a surprising byproduct and is reinforced and relieved by the rotating single images and relieved by the rotating single images displayed on either side - one good, one displayed on either side - one good, one evil. evil.

Page 30: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

ConvergenceConvergence It is what is done with the technology that matters. It is what is done with the technology that matters.

Which is best?Which is best?

Dominate, commodify and dehumanize humanity as in the Dominate, commodify and dehumanize humanity as in the Sprawl? This creates Johnny’s resistance to the Sprawl? This creates Johnny’s resistance to the dehumanization created by rampant technology and dehumanization created by rampant technology and corporatism.corporatism.

Use recording, sampling and mixing to advocate for change Use recording, sampling and mixing to advocate for change like Sony Mao? This is direct resistance to the same like Sony Mao? This is direct resistance to the same corporate dehumanization – using technology.corporate dehumanization – using technology.

Illustrate the human condition through our data in Salavon’s Illustrate the human condition through our data in Salavon’s work? Good and Evil uses technology to help illustrate who work? Good and Evil uses technology to help illustrate who we are – or at least think we are.we are – or at least think we are.

Page 31: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

DivergenceDivergence Johnny Mnemonic is a traditional plot; the wronged, Johnny Mnemonic is a traditional plot; the wronged,

ruined gangster planning his revenge; set  in a dark ruined gangster planning his revenge; set  in a dark future. It is Johnny’s story filled with allusions that project future. It is Johnny’s story filled with allusions that project our present onto the future.our present onto the future.

Play Ultra Red is experimental music based on the Play Ultra Red is experimental music based on the experiences of groups of people and revisits the past - experiences of groups of people and revisits the past - that of early AIDS activism. It presents music as a social that of early AIDS activism. It presents music as a social agent for change in a contemplative, rhythmic way.agent for change in a contemplative, rhythmic way.

Good and Evil is an undefined combination of graphic Good and Evil is an undefined combination of graphic art, software and hardware using current data and actual art, software and hardware using current data and actual images. The images, in the aggregate show the images. The images, in the aggregate show the differences and similarities of everyone contributing to differences and similarities of everyone contributing to the internet.  It is both happy and sad - when you look the internet.  It is both happy and sad - when you look closely. closely.

Page 32: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

AssimilationAssimilation As a long time science fiction fan I have always loved As a long time science fiction fan I have always loved

the dark technological dysfunction of cyberpunk, the dark technological dysfunction of cyberpunk, especially the work of William Gibson, but I was especially the work of William Gibson, but I was surprised to learn about other applications of technology surprised to learn about other applications of technology in the arts. Sony Mao has brought the activist recordings in the arts. Sony Mao has brought the activist recordings of Ultra Red and the work of Public Records further into of Ultra Red and the work of Public Records further into the light with the possibilities of an electronic music the light with the possibilities of an electronic music directly engaged with political struggle. Jason Salavon’s directly engaged with political struggle. Jason Salavon’s work is a graphic and electronic commentary on modern work is a graphic and electronic commentary on modern society and its digital semantics. All of them utilize society and its digital semantics. All of them utilize technology in very different ways. Perhaps by listening to technology in very different ways. Perhaps by listening to the voices and images presented to us by technology we the voices and images presented to us by technology we can avoid a future filled with the desperation of Johnny’s can avoid a future filled with the desperation of Johnny’s time. time.

Page 33: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

The Art of Technology & the The Art of Technology & the Human ConditionHuman Condition

The three works span from 2004’s Play Ultra Red The three works span from 2004’s Play Ultra Red through the present of Good and Evil (2012) to the future through the present of Good and Evil (2012) to the future of Johnny Mnemonic - each demonstrating what of Johnny Mnemonic - each demonstrating what technology can do for and to us. All three have a dark technology can do for and to us. All three have a dark side - Gibson’s hyper-corporate Sprawl, Sony Mao’s side - Gibson’s hyper-corporate Sprawl, Sony Mao’s recordings based on protest of oppression and inequality recordings based on protest of oppression and inequality and Salavon’s discovery that often the “average” is and Salavon’s discovery that often the “average” is murky and indistinctmurky and indistinct. . Each also presents hope - that a Each also presents hope - that a data smuggler can change and be free, that people care data smuggler can change and be free, that people care enough about injustice to make a record of the struggle, enough about injustice to make a record of the struggle, and that and that GoodGood is balanced by is balanced by Evil.Evil.

Page 34: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

IT and the ArtsIT and the Arts

As IT professionals we must not forget the human element - that what we As IT professionals we must not forget the human element - that what we do is ultimately about people. I was initially drawn to IT by technology’s do is ultimately about people. I was initially drawn to IT by technology’s ability to solve problems, and get my greatest joy in solving the technological ability to solve problems, and get my greatest joy in solving the technological problems so an end user, an actual person, can get on with their objective. problems so an end user, an actual person, can get on with their objective. The technology needs to be invisible to the task, and the user must always The technology needs to be invisible to the task, and the user must always be the master, not the slave, to technology. be the master, not the slave, to technology.

Knowledge of the humanities is valuable in Information TechnologyKnowledge of the humanities is valuable in Information Technology

This value is demonstrated in the process of creating a well designed This value is demonstrated in the process of creating a well designed website, application or installation. Planning and executing an IT project website, application or installation. Planning and executing an IT project requires the analytical skills of the artistic critique, the verbal skills of an requires the analytical skills of the artistic critique, the verbal skills of an orater, and the writing skills of an author. The design elements of user orater, and the writing skills of an author. The design elements of user interfaces require an artist’s touch. Technology gives us the pen, the brush, interfaces require an artist’s touch. Technology gives us the pen, the brush, the voice, but the humanities guide us in their use through a critically the voice, but the humanities guide us in their use through a critically informed worldview. informed worldview.

Page 35: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

It’s not the technology that is important.It’s not the technology that is important.

Technology does not Technology does not determine human action, but determine human action, but rather, human action shapes rather, human action shapes technology. Science and technology. Science and technology teach us what we technology teach us what we can do. Humanistic thinking can do. Humanistic thinking can help us understand what can help us understand what we should do. Gibson shows we should do. Gibson shows us a person, Johnny us a person, Johnny Mnemonic, that is controlled by Mnemonic, that is controlled by technology. Johnny escapes technology. Johnny escapes that control once he realizes, that control once he realizes, as a human, that the as a human, that the technology will cost him his technology will cost him his life. He must seek the help of life. He must seek the help of others, rather than more others, rather than more technology. technology.

Page 36: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

But what you do with it.But what you do with it. Technology should not Technology should not

define us, but should be a define us, but should be a vehicle for human vehicle for human endeavor; it’s value is in endeavor; it’s value is in its application. Many its application. Many humanistic fields find IT humanistic fields find IT tools essential to their tools essential to their work - such as the work - such as the analyzation of data, the analyzation of data, the archiving of documents, archiving of documents, and even the prosaic and even the prosaic email.  Sony Mao and email.  Sony Mao and UltraRed demonstrate the UltraRed demonstrate the use of technology to use of technology to inform and inspire. inform and inspire.

Page 37: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

In Conclusion…In Conclusion…

Humanities inspire and enhance our use Humanities inspire and enhance our use of technology. Public speaking and of technology. Public speaking and debate, the aesthetic reward of a well debate, the aesthetic reward of a well designed app and the written clarity of a designed app and the written clarity of a good user manual are all humanistic skills good user manual are all humanistic skills directly linked to success as an IT directly linked to success as an IT professional. Jason Salavon uses professional. Jason Salavon uses technology to turn data into art - bringing technology to turn data into art - bringing us full circle. us full circle.

Page 38: The Importance of Humanities in Information Technology

ReferencesReferences

• Columbusmuseum.  (2008, Apr 8).Columbusmuseum.  (2008, Apr 8).CURRENTS: Jason Salavon - Part 1 of 3CURRENTS: Jason Salavon - Part 1 of 3 [Video file]. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzFuYf2_s8QRetrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzFuYf2_s8Q

• Creativecommons.org. (n.d.) Licenses. Creativecommons.org. (n.d.) Licenses. Creativecommons.orgCreativecommons.org Retrieved January 21, 2013 Retrieved January 21, 2013 from http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ from http://creativecommons.org/licenses/

• Public Record Archive #2.01.007 (November 1, 2004) Retrieved 1/21/2012 from Public Record Archive #2.01.007 (November 1, 2004) Retrieved 1/21/2012 from http://www.publicrec.org/archive/2-01/2-01-007/2-01-007.html http://www.publicrec.org/archive/2-01/2-01-007/2-01-007.html

• Sony Mao (2004). Track 4. 950801 Ceambleamblentrark Rs, New York New York City Sony Mao (2004). Track 4. 950801 Ceambleamblentrark Rs, New York New York City [Recorded by Sony Mao]. On [Recorded by Sony Mao]. On Play UltraRedPlay UltraRed [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004) [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004)

• Sony Mao (2004). Track 30. 010224 CenterOpey Laborer Job, Pasning of Daadena [Recorded Sony Mao (2004). Track 30. 010224 CenterOpey Laborer Job, Pasning of Daadena [Recorded by Sony Mao]. On by Sony Mao]. On Play UltraRedPlay UltraRed [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004) [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004)

• Sony Mao (2004). Track 6. 960902 r ayDD Pailailailarade, WDDDDLmingtonboLabo [Recorded Sony Mao (2004). Track 6. 960902 r ayDD Pailailailarade, WDDDDLmingtonboLabo [Recorded by Sony Mao]. On by Sony Mao]. On Play UltraRedPlay UltraRed [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004) [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004)

• Sony Mao (2004). Track 34. 021201 SEIU 1877SEIU 1877SEIU 1877Delegates of Palestinian Sony Mao (2004). Track 34. 021201 SEIU 1877SEIU 1877SEIU 1877Delegates of Palestinian [Recorded by Sony Mao]. On [Recorded by Sony Mao]. On Play UltraRedPlay UltraRed [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004) [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004)

• Sony Mao (2004). Track 14. 980217 East Los Union de Pico Aliso, Vecinos MeetingPico Aliso,Sony Mao (2004). Track 14. 980217 East Los Union de Pico Aliso, Vecinos MeetingPico Aliso,

[Recorded by Sony Mao]. On [Recorded by Sony Mao]. On Play UltraRedPlay UltraRed [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004) [mp3]. US: Public Record (2004) • Ultra-Red Public Record Archive. (November 1, 2004). "Articles of Incorporation" press Ultra-Red Public Record Archive. (November 1, 2004). "Articles of Incorporation" press

release. Retrieved 1/21/2012 from http://www.publicrec.org/archive/2-01/2-01PR.DOCrelease. Retrieved 1/21/2012 from http://www.publicrec.org/archive/2-01/2-01PR.DOC