Computers in Context : The Philosophy and Practice of Systems Design

This exploration of software development and systems design eschews jargon, assumes no computer science background, and presents an interesting and sometimes amusing discussion that challenges computer professionals to focus on the methods, goals, and politics of computerization as it impacts everyday life. Dahlbom, trained in philosophy, holds a chair in information systems at the University of Goteborg, Sweden. Mathiassen is professor of mathematics and computer science at the School of Engineering, Aalborg University Center, Denmark. The book's 12 chapters carry succinct titles: Computers; Information; Thinking; Construction; Evolution;Intervention; Artifacts; Culture; Power; Computers and People; Systems and Change; and From Philosophy to Practice. Part I discusses mechanistic and romantic world views as related to computing. Part II treats construction, evolution, and intervention as three perspectives on systems development. Part III focuses on "quality" in terms of three different viewpoints anchored in artifacts, culture, and power. The conclusion discusses four theories of science (positivism, hermeneutics, critical theory, and structuralism) in terms of contradictions bet