Events

Abstract: Human computers and scanners were scientific workers who per- formed calculations or reduced and analysed data before the advent of electronic computers. They were a staple of big science during the 19th century and early to mid 20th century. Yet, despite their prevalence within big science their epistemic roles remain virtually unexamined. This paper investigates the epistemic roles of the Harvard Human Computers at the Harvard College Observatory 1880-1920 and of the Bristol Scanners at the Bristol Nuclear Research Group 1935-1955. We identify, evaluate, and compare three frameworks which help us understand the instrumentalisation of human computers and scanners and the downstream negative consequences of their instrumentalisation for the methodology of science.