Donald MacKenzie

Most aspects of our private and social lives-our safety, the integrity of the financial system, the functioning of utilities and other services, and national security-now depend on computing. But how can we know that this computing is trustworthy? In Mechanizing Proof, Donald MacKenzie addresses this key issue by investigating the interrelations of computing, risk, and mathematical proof over the last half century from the perspectives of history and sociology. His discussion draws on the technical literature of computer science and artificial intelligence and on extensive interviews with participants.MacKenzie argues that our culture now contains two ideals of proof: proof as traditionally conducted by human mathematicians, and formal, mechanized proof. He describes the systems constructed by those committed to the latter ideal and the many questions those systems raise about the nature of proof. He looks at the primary social influence on the development of automated proof-the need to predict the behavior of the computer systems upon which human life and security depend-and explores the involvement of powerful organizations such as the National Security Agency. He concludes that in mechanizing proof, and in pursuing dependable computer systems, we do not obviate the need for trust in our collective human judgment.

"Mackenzie has achieved a masterful synthesis of engrossing narrative, imaginative concepts, historical perspective, and social concern."Donald MacKenzie follows one line of technology-strategic ballistic missile guidance through a succession of weapons systems to reveal the workings of a world that is neither awesome nor unstoppable. He uncovers the parameters, the pressures, and the politics that make up the complex social construction of an equally complex technology.

For those familiar with present day Morocco, this volume, first published in 1911, allows a fascinating comparison with the people and places in that country over seventy years ago. The author, founder of the British Settlement at Cape Juby, spent many years in Morocco where he carefully studied the habits and customs of its people, travelling widely throughout the region. His book, though written with a missionary zeal common to the period, is nonetheless a factual account which is greatly enhanced by the large number of illustrations. Over fifty photographs, many of them providing glimpses of cities and landscapes forever lost to modernization and change, are included in the work. These, together with the author's narrative complete a general description of Morocco at the turn of the century that will be of great interest to students of North African history, as well as the general reader.