Multiplex and Unfolding: Computer Simulation in Particle Physics

The Argument What kind of objects are computer programs used for simulation purposes in scientific settings? The current investigation treats a special case. It focuses on “event generators,” the program packages that particle physicists construct and use to simulate mechanisms of particle production. The paper is an attempt to bring the multiplex and unfolding character of such knowledge objects to the fore: Multiple meanings and functions are embodied in the object and can be drawn out selectively according to the requirements of a work setting. The object's conceptual complexity governs its application in some contexts, while the object is considered a mere “black box,” transparent and ready-to-hand, in others. These two poles span a full spectrum of object aspects, functions, and conceptions. Event generators are ideas turned into software, testing grounds for models, just a tool to study the performance of a detector, etc. The object's multiplex nature is submitted to negotiation among different actors.

[1]  Sergio Sismondo,et al.  Island Biogeography and the Multiple Domains of Models , 2000 .

[2]  K. K. Cetina.  Epistemic Cultures: How the Sciences Make Knowledge , 1999 .

[3]  K. K. Cetina.  German Translation of Sociality with Objects. Social Relations in Postsocial Knowledge Societies , 1998 .

[4]  J. Agar,et al.  Making Space For Science Territorial Themes In The Shaping Of Knowledge , 1998 .

[5]  Martina Merz,et al.  ‘Nobody Can Force You When You Are Across the Ocean’ — Face to Face and E-Mail Exchanges Between Theoretical Physicists , 1998 .

[6]  H. Rheinberger.  Toward a History of Epistemic Things: Synthesizing Proteins in the Test Tube , 1997 .

[7]  Barbara Mele.  Physics at LEP2 , 1997 .

[8]  M. Schmitt,et al.  Event Generators for WW Physics , 1997, hep-ph/9709270.

[9]  S. Sarkar,et al.  QCD Event Generators , 1996, hep-ph/9601212.

[10]  Karen Ruhleder,et al.  Reconstructing Artifacts, Reconstructing Work: From Textual Edition to On-Line Databank , 1995 .

[11]  Anneliese Amschler Andrews,et al.  Program Understanding: Models and Experiments , 1995, Adv. Comput..

[12]  T. Sjöstrand.  High-energy-physics event generation with PYTHIA 5.7 and JETSET 7.4 , 1994 .

[13]  S. Protopopescu,et al.  Monte Carlo event generators for hadron-hadron collisions , 1993 .

[14]  L. Lönnblad.  Ariadne version 4 — A program for simulation of QDC cascades implementing the colour dipole model , 1992 .

[15]  H. Rheinberger,et al.  Experiment, difference, and writing: I. Tracing protein synthesis. , 1992, Studies in history and philosophy of science.

[16]  A. Pickering.  Science as practice and culture , 1992 .

[17]  L. Stanco,et al.  HERWIG 5.1 - a Monte Carlo event generator for simulating hadron emission reactions with interfering gluons , 1992 .

[18]  T. Sjöstrand.  Monte Carlo event generation for LHC , 1991 .

[19]  S. Woolgar.  Configuring the User: The Case of Usability Trials , 1990 .

[20]  Fritz Rohrlich,et al.  Computer Simulation in the Physical Sciences , 1990, PSA: Proceedings of the Biennial Meeting of the Philosophy of Science Association.

[21]  Susan Leigh Star,et al.  Institutional Ecology, `Translations' and Boundary Objects: Amateurs and Professionals in Berkeley's Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, 1907-39 , 1989 .

[22]  A. Pickering.  Constructing Quarks: A Sociological History of Particle Physics , 1985 .

[23]  John Dupré,et al.  The Disunity of Science , 1983 .

[24]  F. James,et al.  Monte Carlo theory and practice , 1980 .

[25]  Rob Kling,et al.  Recurrent dilemmas of computer use in complex organizations , 1899, 1979 International Workshop on Managing Requirements Knowledge (MARK).