The History of Computing
MIT OpenCourseWare seminar examining the electronic digital computer as a scientific instrument, tracing its use across physics, mathematics, biology, and the humanities. Readings draw on scientific articles, participants' memoirs, and work by historians, sociologists, and anthropologists of science to build a picture of how computing reshaped scientific practice and how scientific applications in turn shaped computing culture. Discussion questions include whether computer simulation counts as genuine experiment, whether computer models can serve as surrogate theories, and how computers changed scientific notions of proof, expertise, and discovery. Materials include the full syllabus, readings list, and assignments as published by MIT, free to access under an open license with no certificate offered. Suited to students interested in the intersection of technology, philosophy of science, and twentieth century intellectual history.