Individualism Old and New.

Harold Sackman

Expert InsightsPublished 1973

A radically optimistic chapter from [Computers and the Problems of Society] (1972), unfolding the concept of Everyman enriched by lifelong learning, enjoying wider spheres of moral and intellectual individual choice made possible and feasible by the equitable extension of computer services in the public domain to all members of society. According to the author's analysis of an AFIPS/Time, Inc. 1971 survey of attitudes toward computers, positive opinions outweighed negative by three to one, but there was what he considers excessive concern for data privacy. But about one-fifth of a sample of Air Force cadets were disillusioned by introductory computer science courses. Suggestions are made for enhancing public computer readiness and for planning computer systems with the public interest foremost. Computers are seen as instrumental catalysts for helping to manage, track, and evaluate experimental and ongoing community efforts. It would be a crime against posterity to sacrifice this vast promise to the immediate pecuniary gain of a few. 35 pp. Ref.

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  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1973
  • Pages: 35
  • Document Number: P-4986

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Sackman, Harold, Individualism Old and New. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1973. https://www.rand.org/pubs/papers/P4986.html.
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