Engines of Order
A Mechanology of Algorithmic Techniques
Published on 11. June 2020
Book
Hardback
352 pages
978-94-6298-619-0 (ISBN)
Description
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.
Reviews / Votes
"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, medialab"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
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Academic
Illustrations
11 s/w Abbildungen
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
693 gr
ISBN-13
978-94-6298-619-0 (9789462986190)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 12/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€73.31
Not yet published
E-Book
10/2025
Routledge
€0.00
Available for download
E-Book
10/2025
Routledge
€0.00
Available for download
E-Book
05/2020
1st Edition
Amsterdam University Press
€0.00
Available for download
Person
Bernhard Rieder is Associate Professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam and a collaborator with the Digital Methods Initiative.
Content
Acknowledgements, Credits, Introduction, Part I, 1. Engines of Order, 2. Rethinking Software, 3. Software-Making and Algorithmic Techniques, Part II, 4. From Universal Classification to a Postcoordinated Universe, 5. From Frequencies to Vectors, 6. Interested Learning, 7. Calculating Networks: from Sociometry to PageRank, Conclusion: Toward Technical Culture, Index.