man-machine-interaction
The collaborative partnership between humans and computers, which Kemeny identifies as the most important development after the creation of general-purpose high-speed computers.
2 chapters across 1 book
Man and the Computer (1972)John G. Kemeny
In the preface to 'Man and the Computer,' John G. Kemeny reflects on his 1971 lectures at the American Museum of Natural History, presenting a personalized view of the first 25 years of modern computing, its current state, and future possibilities. He emphasizes the transformative potential of man-machine interaction, arguing that the true significance of computers lies in cooperative systems rather than isolated machine operation. Kemeny introduces the concept of a 'symbiosis' between humans and computers as a key theme for understanding future developments.
This chapter provides an overview of John G. Kemeny's perspective on the first twenty-five years of modern computing, emphasizing the transformative impact of man-machine interaction. Kemeny critiques the distrust towards autonomous computer systems and advocates for a collaborative partnership between humans and computers as the future of computing. The chapter also highlights Kemeny's contributions to computer science, including the invention of BASIC and his efforts to integrate computer knowledge into liberal education.