Arguments that Count: Physics, Computing, and Missile - download pdf or read online

In a speedily altering global, we depend upon specialists to evaluate the promise and hazards of recent know-how. yet how do those specialists make experience of a hugely doubtful destiny? In Arguments that Count, Rebecca Slayton deals a tremendous new standpoint. Drawing on new ancient records and interviews in addition to views in technological know-how and know-how reviews, she offers an unique account of ways scientists got here to phrases with the unheard of probability of nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). She compares how diverse expert groups -- physicists and laptop scientists -- developed arguments in regards to the dangers of missile protection, and the way those arguments replaced through the years. Slayton exhibits that our figuring out of technological dangers is formed by means of disciplinary repertoires -- the codified wisdom and mathematical principles that specialists use to border new demanding situations. And, considerably, a brand new repertoire can convey long-neglected dangers into transparent view.In the Nineteen Fifties, scientists famous that high-speed pcs will be had to do something about the extraordinary pace of ICBMs. however the nation's elite technological know-how advisors had no option to learn the dangers of desktops so used physics to evaluate what they can: radar and missile functionality. basically a long time later, after setting up computing as a technology, have been advisors capable of study authoritatively the dangers linked to complicated software program -- so much significantly, the danger of a catastrophic failure. As we proceed to confront new threats, together with that of cyber assault, Slayton bargains worthy perception into how other kinds of workmanship can restrict or extend our capability to deal with novel technological risks.