In the half hour or so that I have to devote to this blog today, I thought I'd try to put myself in a position to be able to contribute something by way of a gloss on or supplement to Clay Shirky's "Speculative Post on the Idea of Algorithmic Authority" (http://www.shirky.com/weblog/2009/11/a-speculative-post-on-the-idea-of-algorithmic-authority.html ) I've been thinking about it off and on for a couple of weeks now, and more intensively since my reading of the flurry of posts on the menace of "content farming" (cf "'Content farms'? Can we parse this before we start to worry?", posted yesterday). Clay's "rough and ready" idea is summarized in the final words of his speculative post: "algorithmic authority handles the 'Garbage In, Garbage Out' problem by accepting the garbage as an input, rather than trying to clean the data first; it provides the output to the end user without any human supervisor checking it at the penultimate step; and these processes are eroding the previous institutional monopoly on the kind of authority we are used to in a number of public spheres, including the sphere of news."
Clay is clearly (obviously and with lucidity) working through the crux of the problematics that, to my mind, are obscured by the language of "content farming." In an effort to follow in his footsteps (no easy task, I recognize) and earn for myself the insights he is making available to others [NB people: reading Cliff's Notes is no substitute for reading the original. Reading Terry Eagleton is no substitute for reading Marx or Derrida or anyone else of significance], I decided to resort to an established authority whose basis is not, on the face of it, algorithmic - a source I have never failed to find productive in some way. Thankfully, one can now access the Oxford English Dictionary without having to go to the reference room of the nearest library, or having to manoeuvre it from shelf to table at home and use the handy magnifying glass to read the miniscule print of the compact edition, less legible with every passing year.
With the online version it's as simple as copy and paste. I wanted to check the definitions of "algorithm" independently of Clay's work in any case, since my 11-year-old daughter asked me about it a couple of weeks ago, and I wasn't entirely confident of my reply. (They're doing algebra in grade 6 - I will soon be unqualified to help with math homework. Hallelujah.)
Herewith the OED definitions, with my highlighting for future reference:
1. = ALGORISM 1a.
1699 Phil. Trans. XXI. 263 The Algorithm or Numeral Figures now in use.
1774 T. WARTON Hist. Eng. Poetry III. 46 The first who brought the algorithm from the Saracens.
1852 R. GRANT Hist. Phys. Astron. Introd. 9 The ingenious algorithm of the Indians.
2.Math. A process, or set of rules, usually one expressed in algebraic notation, now used esp. in computing, machine translation and linguistics.
1938 HARDY &
WRIGHT Introd. Theory of Numbers x. 135 The system of equations..is known as Euclid's algorithm.
1960 E. DELAVENAY Introd. Machine Transl. 129
Algorithm or
algorism..,
used by computer programmers to designate the numerical or algebraic notations which express a given sequence of computer operations, define a programme or routine conceived to solve a given type of problem. 1964 F. L. WESTWATERElectronic Computers ix. 146 An Algorithm is a set of rules for performing a calculation. 1966 OWEN &
ROSS tr.
Revzin's Models of Lang. ii. 22 A..more convenient way of arranging the phonemes is suggested. It is given by an instruction (an ‘algorithm’) consisting of six points.
3. Med. A step-by-step procedure for reaching a clinical decision or diagnosis, often set out in the form of a flow chart, in which the answer to each question determines the next question to be asked.
[
1968 L. B. L
USTED Introd. Med. Decision Making iii. 70 Two..[studies] show that an algorithm in terms of a computer program can be developed for a computer based medical history system.] 1970 Scottish Med. Jrnl. XV. 378 (
heading) Flow charts, diagnostic keys and algorithms in the diagnosis of dysphagia.
1985 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 23 Mar. 916/1 The algorithm illustrates the steps towards establishing a functional and aetiological diagnosis.
In the spirit of due diligence I thought I'd go ahead and check on the definitions of "authority" as well.
I.Power to enforce obedience.
1. a. Power or right to enforce obedience; moral or legal supremacy; the right to command, or give an ultimate decision.
1393 GOWER Conf. I. 257 The pope..Of his papall auctorite Hath made and yove the decre.
1480 CAXTON Chron. Eng. III. (1520) 20/1 They chose another man the whiche sholde have more auctoryte..and they called hym dictator. 1590 Harl. Misc. (Malh.) II. 176 He hath aucthoritie over all kinges and princes.
1598 BARRET Theor. Warres IV. iv. 113 Their Colours..represent the authoritie Royall. 1603 SHAKES. Meas. for M. II. ii. 118 Proud man, Drest in a little briefe authoritie,..Plaies such phantastique tricks before high heauen, As makes the Angels weepe. 1665 BOYLE Occas. Refl. IV. xi. (1675) 233, I allow lawful Authority a Jurisdiction over my Actions, that I deny it over my Opinions. a1680 BUTLER Rem. (1759) I. 251 Authority is a Disease and Cure, Which Men can neither want, nor well endure.
1872 RUSKIN Eagle's Nest §94 If ever you find yourselves set in positions of authority.
b.in authority: in a position of power; in possession of power over others.
c1460 FORTESCUE Abs. & Lim. Mon. (1714) 108 Men that were in grete Auctorite.
1551-6 ROBINSON tr.
More's Utop. 15 Nowe placed in aucthorytye and called to honoure.
1611 B
IBLE Prov. xxix. 2 When the righteous are in authoritie, the people rejoyce. 1722 SEWEL tr.
Hist. Quakers (1795) I. Pref. 12 Speaking to persons in authority.
1878 HOPPS Jesus x. 36 The people in authority..would try to stop him.
2. a. Derived or delegated power; conferred right or title; authorization.
(The relation to sense 1 is seen in ‘by the (king's) authority, by authority of the King.’)
c1375 WYCLIF Serm. Sel. Wks. 1869 I. 56 Reprovede him sharpli bi autorite of God.
c1400 Apol. Loll. 8 If he pronounce
wi
out autorite..
a
ennis
e lordis wille.
1483 R
ICH. III in Ellis Orig. Lett. II. 49 I. 153 Upon auctorite or commission yeven unto him. 1535 COVERDALE Mark xi. 28 By what auctorite dost thou these things, and who gaue the this auctorite.
1790 BURKE Fr. Rev. 6 To open a formal public correspondence..without the express authority of the government under which I live.
1831 CARLYLE Sart. Res. III. vii, He carries in him an authority from God.
b. with inf. Conferred right to do something.
1535 COVERDALE Ezra vii. 24 Ye shall haue no auctorite to requyre taxinge & custome.
1559 B
P. SCOT in Strype Ann. Ref. I. App. vii. 13 By commission from him, prestes hathe aucthorytie to forgyve sin. 1719 YOUNG Revenge IV. i, Am I not your wife? Have I not just authority to know That heart? 1855 PRESCOTT Philip II Pref. 8, I also obtained the authority of Prince Metternich to inspect the Archives of the Empire.
1858 LD. ST. LEONARDS Handy-bk. Prop. Law IV. 20 The authority to sell does not include a power to receive the purchase-money.
3. Those in authority; the body or persons exercising power or command. (Formerly in sing. = Government; a Local Sanitary Authority or similar body is also spoken of as ‘the authority.’)
1611 B
IBLE 1 Pet. iii. 22 Angels, and authorities, and powers being made subject vnto him. 1652 NEEDHAM tr.
Selden's Mare Cl. Ep. Ded. 1 The Supreme Autoritie of the Nation, the Parlament of the Common-wealth of England.
1682 LUTTRELL Brief Rel. I. 233 Authority has thought fitt..to prosecute the offenders for the same.
1760 T. HUTCHINSON Hist. Coll. Mass. Bay iii. (1765) 395 The authority treated him kindly, and sent him home.
1833 I. TAYLOR Fanat. x. 456 The conduct of the authorities.
1859 MILL Liberty 172 It is a proper office of public authority to guard against accidents.
1865 LIVINGSTONE Zambesi xx. 403 The Mozambique authorities.
1870 Statutes V (Tramways Act) 491 Orders authorising the construction of tramways..may be obtained by (1) The local authority of such district.
1880 Sat. Rev. 25 Dec. 809 The actual authorities of the Post Office.
1909 Westm. Gaz. 8 Sept. 2/3 The Port of London Authority is a thoroughly practical body of men.
1951 Good Housek. Home Encycl. 189/2 It is usually possible to obtain the free services of one through the local Health Authority.
II. Power to influence action, opinion, belief.
4. Power to influence the conduct and actions of others; personal or practical influence.
c1410 HOCCLEVE Mother of God 92 Syn thou art of swich auctoritee Lady pitious.
c1449 PECOCK Repr. V. ix. 531 Hi
e in wisdom and in auctorite and in fame. 1542 BRINKLOW Complaynt i. (1874) 7 Them which beare any auctoryte..in the cowncel or Parlament.
1673 Lady's Call. I. i §20 Such an autority there is in vertue, that where 'tis eminent, 'tis apt to controle all loose desires. 1705 ADDISON Italy Ded., With your Lordship's Interest and Authority in England.
1792 Anecd. W. Pitt III. xliv. 202 It is your duty, my Lords, as the grand hereditary council of the nation..to feel your own weight and authority.
1818-60 WHATELYCommonpl. Bk. (1864) 125 The person, body, or book, in favour of whose decisions there is a certain presumption, is said to have, so far, authority.
5.Power over, or title to influence, the opinions of others; authoritative opinion; weight of judgement or opinion, intellectual influence.
c1386 CHAUCER Sqr.'s T. 474 Preued..As wel by werk as by Auctoritee.
1481 CAXTON Myrr. III. xii. 160 Good clerkes..of grete auctoryte. a1677 BARROW Serm. (1683) II. viii. 119 The auctority of the ancients doth more prevail with me.
1724 A. COLLINS Gr. Chr. Relig. Pref. 18 Is there anything that..stifles the light of truth, but autority?
1794 SULLIVAN View Nat. II. 231 The proper way of reasoning from authority, that what seems true to some wise men, may upon that account be esteemed somewhat probable.
1865 MILL Liberty ii. 21/2 He is either led by authority, or adopts..the side to which he feels most inclination.
6. Power to inspire belief, title to be believed; authoritative statement; weight of testimony. Sometimes weakened to: Authorship, testimony.
1303 R. BRUNNE Handl. Synne 1239 Seynt Poule
at sagh Goddys pryvyte, He
sey
yn hys autoryte A feyre wurd vs for to save.
1494 FABYAN I. i. 8 Therof is founde lytell auctoryte. 1586 THYNNE in
Animadv. Introd. 73 Untill I may see good authoritie to disproove it.
1710 PRIDEAUX Orig. Tithes v. 253, I deny not Ingulph's autority to be good, but for his Copy there is his autority only.
1875 SCRIVENER Lect. Grk. Test. 12, I have been recently informed on excellent authority.
a1885 Mod. Do not accept news on the authority of the evening papers.
7. The quotation or book acknowledged, or alleged, to settle a question of opinion or give conclusive testimony.
c1230 Ancr. R. 78
en ilke autorite,
et..schal beon vre
strenc
e..
a
ein
es deofles turnes.
c1386 CHAUCER Friar's Prol. 12 Lete auctorités, in Goddes name, To preching and to scoles of clergie.
a1535 MORE Confut. Barnes VIII. Wks. 770/2 Hys fyrst authorite be these words of saynte Austyne in hys fyftieth sermon. 1608 SHAKES. Per. III. ii. 33 By turning o'er authorities. 1706 POPE Lett. Wks. 1736 V. 55 To corroborate these observations by some great authorities..in Tully and Quintilian.
1876 GREEN Short Hist. Pref. 6 Giving in detail the authorities for every statement.
8. a. The person whose opinion or testimony is accepted; the author of an accepted statement. b. One whose opinion on or upon a subject is entitled to be accepted; an expert in any question.
1665 GLANVILL Sceps. Sci. 77 To confront such celebrated Authorities.
1855 PRESCOTT Philip II, I.
II. vi. 210 Historians in a season of faction are not the best authorities. 1860 R. WILLIAMS Ess. & Rev. 59 Egyptian authorities continue the reign of Menephthah later.
1867 A. J. ELLIS E.E. Pronunc. I. iii. 65 Wallis is the great authority for the fully developed pronunciation of the XVIIth century. 1871 BLACKIE Four Phases i. 1 A great utilitarian authority.
a1885 Mod. Who, may I ask, is your authority for the statement? A. B. He is no authority!
9. Comb., as authority-maker.
1678 CUDWORTH Intell. Syst. I. v. 893 These justice-makers and authority-makers pretend to derive their factitious justice from Pacts and Covenants.
It turns out that "authority" is also a keyword in the OED's definition of "consensus." More on this as time allows.
Recent Comments