Sciences of the Artificial

Background/Question:

Herbert A Simon was (and remains) one the most important figures in the 20th century (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_A._Simon). He won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1978. And his work reverberates through so many disciplines still today. His 1969 book, The Sciences of the Artificial, set the agenda for the study of artifacts (as distinguished from natural objects). The first chapter of this book, which I've attached lays out a method of study (a way to approach the study of artificial things); he also defines what "artificial" means, so don't worry. Although there are some challenging parts in the chapter, I'd like you to read it.

Understanding that "science" means "a way of approaching problems/questions" or "method of inquiry," I'd like you for to put Simon's "Sciences of the Artificial" into your own words. What do those who study "artifacts" examine? That is, what do researchers interested in design and artificial intelligence (including us) look at? What can they learn by examining these things?

Hints: The answers have to do with "internal environments" and "external environments." Also, imagine you're summarizing this chapter for your roommates or parents, and don't be afraid to provide quotations from Simon's chapter. Also, I don't care about "length." I care about how well you answer the questions. Take the space you need to do that. But remember, though, this is a foundational text by a foundational thinker, so it might be important in your later when we get to the actual writing projects.

Also, remember, there is no "right" or "wrong" here. I'm asking you to engage in a difficult and foundational text, as well as practice summary-analysis-interpretation. As we do, we're going to learn more about AI and design, which will help us as we begin to move towards our projects.

----------------------

Your response goes here….