Dr. Daniela Zetti
Daniela Zetti holds a PhD in the History of Technology. She was a postdoctoral researcher and teaching assistant at ETH Zurich, Switzerland. She is an associated member of the center “History of Knowledge” (ZGW; ETH and University Zurich). Her research focuses on the history of computers, media and information technology in the 20th century. Her most recent publications include: “Das Programm der elektronischen Vielfalt“, 2014 (Chronos); as a co-author: “Sharing als Konzept, Lösung und Problem”. In: HMD. Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik, 6/2014, pp. 898–910.
RESEARCH PROJECT
Simulation and Proximity
Carrying out research and making science always means approaching themes and objects. For the last twenty years, scientific publications have been describing simulations as approximations. Hence, they have to deal with a certain tension, and they do so often right away in the introductory parts of their texts. Authors draw parallels: just as papers are introducing and approaching topics step by step, simulations make possible optimization in a staggered way.
To be certain, the relationship between simulation and approximation is multifaceted. For example: Aligning simulations with approximations requests interlacing. If the relationship is modelled in terms of progress, simulation and approximation are competing with each other. Simulation becomes the better approximation and is identified as a technology that calls for domestication.
Cui bono? Who benefits from approximation interrelated with simulation in a specific way? I am going to address this question to scientific and technical texts that were published in the last thirty years. Above all, I am interested in simulation technology that was used in order to plan and realize entry and admission. My project is going to make a contribution to the recent history of the production of knowledge in science and technology.