The Computational Condition explores the phenomenon of computation as a universal principle, likening it to a state of being. It introduces the idea of ‘computational thinking’, a mindset that perceives every aspect of life as a system that can be broken down, analysed, and optimised. This mindset, once exclusive to programmers and engineers, is now permeating all fields and disciplines.
The piece also discusses how computational thinking affects our understanding of ourselves and our environment. It suggests that we are increasingly viewing ourselves as ‘information processing entities’, and our environment as a ‘computational universe’. This shift in perspective is changing our relationship with reality, leading us to seek patterns, predictability, and optimisation in all areas of life.
The text further highlights the impact of computational thinking on society and culture. It posits that our obsession with efficiency and optimisation is leading to a ‘computational condition’, where everything is reduced to data and algorithms. This condition is reshaping our values, behaviours, and institutions, and even altering our understanding of concepts like freedom, power, and identity.
Finally, the piece warns of the potential dangers of this condition. It argues that an over-reliance on computation can lead to a loss of human intuition, creativity, and spontaneity. It urges us to balance our computational thinking with other forms of cognition, to maintain our humanity in an increasingly computational world.
Go to source article: http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2016/12/21/the-computational-condition/