CHANGING THE SUBJECT

Much of the work currently done in the intersection between computing and emotions is in response to the experience accumulated over the past half century or so with artificial intelligence. It reflects deepening understanding of the field, its possibilities and potential but, no less, growing frustration with its limitations and the attempt to push forward, beyond them. But its connection to the more general intellectual and political background should not be overlooked either. Over the past half century or so, a growing realization of the limits of human reason, and of purely rational decisionmaking at that, encouraged a new appreciation of other, especially emotional and communicative aspects of human nature. So I think the best way to think of the present willingness of computer geeks to rethink the role of emotions in computing, is to see it in this larger context, where it is evidenced across disciples today. It reflects a new understanding of the place and role of emotion in all aspects of human life, including functions considered essential to intelligence – such as learning, reasoning, decision-making and creativity. *