According to Ernst Cassirer, the transition from the concept of substance to that of mathematical function as a guide of knowledge coincided with the end of ancient and the beginning of modern theoretical thought. In the first part of this article we argue that a similar transition has also taken place in the practical sphere, where mathem- atical function occurs in one of its specific forms, which is that of the algorithm concept. In the second part we argue that with the rise of modernity the idea of substance and the related concepts of category and classification, which are deeply embedded in western culture, have not been totally supplanted by that of function. The intertwining of the concepts of substance and function has generated contra- dictory hybrids. These hybrids are used as a key for the understanding of the differ- ent repercussions of algorithmic logic on society in terms of social integration.

The Concept of Algorithm as an Interpretative Key of Modern Rationality / P., Totaro; Ninno, Domenico. - In: THEORY CULTURE & SOCIETY. - ISSN 0263-2764. - 31:4(2014), pp. 29-49. [10.1177/0263276413510051]

The Concept of Algorithm as an Interpretative Key of Modern Rationality

NINNO, DOMENICO
2014

Abstract

According to Ernst Cassirer, the transition from the concept of substance to that of mathematical function as a guide of knowledge coincided with the end of ancient and the beginning of modern theoretical thought. In the first part of this article we argue that a similar transition has also taken place in the practical sphere, where mathem- atical function occurs in one of its specific forms, which is that of the algorithm concept. In the second part we argue that with the rise of modernity the idea of substance and the related concepts of category and classification, which are deeply embedded in western culture, have not been totally supplanted by that of function. The intertwining of the concepts of substance and function has generated contra- dictory hybrids. These hybrids are used as a key for the understanding of the differ- ent repercussions of algorithmic logic on society in terms of social integration.
2014
The Concept of Algorithm as an Interpretative Key of Modern Rationality / P., Totaro; Ninno, Domenico. - In: THEORY CULTURE & SOCIETY. - ISSN 0263-2764. - 31:4(2014), pp. 29-49. [10.1177/0263276413510051]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11588/594148
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