Engines of Order: A Mechanology of Algorithmic Techniques

Bernhard Rieder

Open Access Published by Amsterdam University Press 2020

Engines of Order

A Mechanology of Algorithmic Techniques

Bernhard Rieder

In the series Recursions

https://doi.org/10.1515/9789048537419

Overview
Contents

About this book

Software has become a key component of contemporary life and algorithms that rank, classify, or recommend are everywhere. Building on the philosophy of Gilbert Simondon and the cultural techniques tradition, this book examines the constructive and cumulative character of software and retraces the historical trajectories of a series of algorithmic techniques that have become the building blocks for contemporary practices of ordering. Developed in opposition to centuries of library tradition, these techniques instantiate dynamic, perspectivist, and interested forms of knowing. Embedded in technical infrastructures and economic logics, they have become engines of order that transform how we arrange information, ideas, and people.

Author / Editor information

Rieder Bernhard :

Bernhard Rieder is Associate Professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam and a collaborator with the Digital Methods Initiative.

Reviews

"How were computers given the task of searching and classifying information? Engines of Order offers an exciting archaeology of the algorithmic techniques that made these feats possible. It is a unique book that mixes a high level of theorization with a detailed examination of modes of expression in the form of technique." - Dominique Cardon, Professor at Sciences Po Paris and Director, médialab

"This book is essential reading for everybody who wants to better understand our algorithmic society. For the first time, a number of key data techniques such as data-driven classification methods are given proper theoretical and historical attention. I highly recommend this clear and smart guide to the world in which we are all living." - Lev Manovich, Professor at City University of New York and Director, Cultural Analytics Lab

Topics

Frontmatter Open Access Download PDF	1
Table of Contents Open Access Download PDF	5
Acknowledgements Open Access Download PDF	7
Introduction Open Access Download PDF	9
Part I
1. Engines of Order Open Access Download PDF	25
2. Rethinking Software Open Access Download PDF	51
3. Software-Making and Algorithmic Techniques Open Access Download PDF	81
Part II
4. From Universal Classification to a Postcoordinated Universe Open Access Download PDF	145
5. From Frequencies to Vectors Open Access Download PDF	199
6. Interested Learning Open Access Download PDF	235
7. Calculating Networks: From Sociometry to PageRank Open Access Download PDF	265
Conclusion: Toward Technical Culture Open Access Download PDF	305
About the Author Open Access Download PDF	347
Index Open Access Download PDF	349

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press
Audience: Professional and scholarly;
Pages
- Main content: 352
Illustrations
- Illustrations: 11
Keywords: algorithms; information ordering; media archaeology; software studies

eBook

Published: May 28, 2020
ISBN: 9789048537419