The sad truth is that several candidates could make a strong claim for ... [the] title [of the most important computer theorist you never heard about]. But when you consider the impact J.C.R. Licklider had on the technology industry, it's hard to square his impact with his subsequent near-anonymity.
Forty-seven years ago this month, Licklider published a 12-page essay with the offputting title "Man-Computer Symbiosis." I'd love to know what kind of impact he thought it might have.
Licklider passed away in 1990 but I did get to know him--a little--through the powerful vision in his writings. Similarly, Rick Rashid, who runs Microsoft Labs, recalled that "Man-Computer Symbiosis" is "an amazing piece to read--even today. It described aspects of what would become elements of personal computing and the Internet long before even the beginnings of either."
Monday, March 19, 2007
JCR Licklider and "Man Machine Symbiosis"
I thought that you might enjoy reading this article, which discusses Licklider's famous paper "Man Machine Symbiosis". Here is a teaser from this short note:
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From Tony Debons:
Licklider(Lic) was an associate ( and friend) of mine when he( at ARPA) and I at The USAF Research and Development Command at Mitre were responsible for extending the concept of the ARPA net that the services developed to serve a wide range of research(University) communities throughout the United States. Of course, the ARPA net is the precuror of the present day Internet. Licklider was a brilliant colleague with far reaching views of the role of the computer in almost aspects of human society. Later, in the 70's, I had invited Lick as guest Lecturer at the several NATO Instiitutes that NATO suported. Many benifited by his wisdom and general sense of humanity.
I am very grateful to you, Marty, for bringing the article to my attention. I am deeply grateful for Lick's frienship and wisdom.
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