The Evolution of Technology and Power: A Historical Analysis from 1500 Onwards

Calculating Empires, a project by Kate Crawford and Kate Crawford, is an impressive attempt to visualize the changes and developments in technology and human social structures since 1500. The project aims to provide a glimpse into the larger genealogical map that shows the evolution of these structures over the centuries.

The research visualization, Calculating Empires, explores how technical and social structures have co-evolved over the past five centuries. It seeks to place the current period within a broader historical context by examining the ideas, devices, infrastructures, and systems of power that have shaped our world. The project traces the technological patterns of colonialism, militarization, automation, and enclosure since 1500 to demonstrate their ongoing impact and potential for change.

By mapping out these imperial pathways, Calculating Empires offers a way to understand our current technological landscape in a deeper historical framework. By examining how past empires calculated their power, we can gain insights into how they have influenced the conditions of empire today. Additionally, exploring the connections between technology and power can help us unravel the systems that continue to shape our society.

For further insights into the intersection of technology and power, one can also explore Anatomy of an AI System, a related project. Through projects like Calculating Empires and Anatomy of an AI System, researchers and scholars are shedding light on the intricate relationships between technology, power, and society.