On statistical computer programs and literary criticism
Michael E. Tarter · 2005
The literature of statistical computer programs is considered in the light of the literature of literary criticism. Examination of certain controversies which have occurred within the later field appear to foreshadow eventual problems to be encountered by the critic of statistical programs. Extrinsic versus ontological criticism, discovery as the critics role and his professional status as middleman are three issues which are only beginning to be faced in the field of statistical computer science. Considering how much has been written concerning the above issues in the literature of literary criticism, it would be a shame to not tap at least the vocabulary, if not some of the experiences, of those who deal with words, chapters and books before we begin to formally criticize statements, subroutines and packaged programs.