Software and Phenomenological Analysis - Essay Example

Mind Copyright Although science and philosophy may appear to be unrelated and different to a casual observer, it is research, the pursuit ofthe truth and enquiry that has made scientific progress possible in all fields including technology. It is the basic technique of observation for phenomena and providing truthful and logical explanation that is important in science. This report presents the solution for an assignment that brings together aspects of observation related to a software package and the basics of phenomenological analysis in order to impress on learners the fact that it is philosophy that has made the astonishing progress in technology possible for humanity. Declaration I certify that, except where cited in the text, this work is the result of research carried out by the author of this study. The main content of the study which has been presented contains work that has not previously been reported anywhere. _____________________________________________ Name and Signature of Author August 2008 This write - up is presented in fulfilment for the requirements related to a written report about software evaluation and phenomenological analysis. Biographical Sketch Acknowledgements Contents Introduction 1 Software Evaluation and Phenomenological analysis 2 Activity 1: Evaluation of the Software “Timbuktu” 3 Activity 2: Phenomenological analysis 9 Bibliography/ References 15 List of Figures Figure 1: Dix’s Standard Space / Time Matrix 7 Figure 2: Refined Space / Time Matrix for Communications involving Modified Channels 8 (This page intentionally blank) Introduction This written report is for an assignment about software for collaborative work and phenomenological analysis. The assignment is divided into two activities. Activity 1 deals with the evaluation of the software Timbuktu, which is a remote control and secure encrypted connection software that is used for network management on large and distributed networks. Activity 2 of the assignment presents a brief discussion about phenomenological analysis under the Activity 2 for this part. The answers for the two activities for the assignment have been presented below. Software Evaluation and Phenomenological analysis The first part of the assignment required the following: Activity 1 Download a trial version of Timbuktu from www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/ free trials can be found in the right hand column. Then analyse Timbuktu in terms of the definitions of: 1. Complementary Media (10 marks). 2. Synchronous and Asynchronous services (20marks). 3. Dixs Time/Space matrix (20marks). Activity 2 1. Explain the terms of Epoch, Lifeworld, Phenomenological Reduction and the role they play in the phenomenological analysis (15marks). 2. Explain the philosophical basis of the phenomenological analysis (20 marks).This answer should not exceed 1,000 words. 3. Give a definition of trust. The sections below present the solutions and the answers for the requirements that have been presented for the assignment. Activity 1: Evaluation of the Software “Timbuktu” The software Timbuktu is desktop-to-desktop remote control software for use with computers that have the Windows or the Macintosh operating systems. This software is useful for large distributed networks in which hundreds of computers are linked together over a network that has a substantial spatial spread. Because of the spatial spread, it is likely to be difficult for network maintenance or administrative staff to traverse substantial distances to troubleshoot computers or to load files onto the machines. Timbuktu makes it possible for remote computers to be manipulated through network interconnection with a local computer. This is a great help when very many computers have to be looked after, but it must be noted that at the time of writing, Timbuktu is not available specifically for the Vista operating system, although it is likely that the capability of Vista to run legacy software systems will permit Timbuktu to be used on machines with this operating system. Timbuktu was downloaded and installed on a networked computer and what follows are the results of an evaluation for this software. Timbuktu as Complimentary Media Complimentary media can be considered as being a communications media which is capable of replacing the established or the traditional or which is capable of providing support for the established media for communication. Because of the fact that Timbuktu makes use of the existing network interconnections and protocols, it cannot strictly be considered as something that is capable of replacing network connectivity. Thus, if a local user is willing, they can permit a remote computer user to control their computer through the remote user’s mouse and keyboard as if they are their own. In any case, it is possible for a remote computer user to watch but not to participate in what is happening with a local computer. However, it was found that the quality of the network connection that existed between the two computers did have an impact on the quality of interconnection between the local and the remote computer. Thus, it can be said that although Timbuktu is a support system for the existing network, it cannot entirely replace the existing network connectivity between computers on a network. Timbuktu can be considered as being complimentary software, but it cannot be regarded in terms of a complimentary media because before using Timbuktu it is necessary to establish a connection with the other computer over existing network media. The TCP/IP or Skype connections are the media which are used by Timbuktu to establish a connection with a remote computer. Timbuktu in terms of Synchronous and Asynchronous Services Software which is operating on computers can invoke services either synchronously or asynchronously. However, it has to be understood that most computer software modules will continue to perform tasks after having invoked other modules because this is the more efficient way of doing things. Thus, web services, SOAP and many other applications use the asynchronous mode for exchanging messages and invoking processes. When Timbuktu is used to connect to another computer on a network, it is desirable that a host and the other remote computer be able to perform other tasks apart from acting on the message exchange and the processing of the messages that are taking place. Thus, Timbuktu interacts with a remote computer in an asynchronous manner because even when this software has been permitted to control another remote computer, the local computer should still be able to execute other processes. However, it is likely that the frequency of response for exchanges between computers will be high because if a local computer has to be able to control a remote computer through the keyboard and the mouse, then the state of the remote computer has to be sensed very often and this state will have to be displayed to the local computer operator in real time. As far as the users of the computer are concerned, asynchronous collaboration between users makes it possible for users to access and store documents, files and messages regardless of when the information was sent (Wroblewski, 2006, Taxonomy of Collaboration Tools”). Thus, email, file transfer, virtual persistent workspace and threaded discussions are examples of asynchronous collaborations, but shared applications and shared screens are examples of synchronous collaborations. It is possible to use Timbuktu to indulge in both asynchronous and synchronous collaborations between two computer users connected by either the TCP/IP or the Skype media. Thus, from a computer user collaboration perspective, Timbuktu can be used for both asynchronous and synchronous collaborations between two computer users linked by a network and Timbuktu. Timbuktu in terms of Dixs Time/Space matrix The nature and types of interactions between groups of workers who are engaged in distributed work have been described by Dix’s time / space matrix. Local interactions between such workers, who are working in close proximity, such as in meeting rooms, are likely to be local in space and synchronous in time. However, synchronous interactions between workers who are working at a location that is remote from that of other workers can only be considered as being synchronous if a real-time conferencing link has been established. Asynchronous interactions between workers who are located at remote destinations are possible by using email or the transfer of information files over communication channels. This is illustrated by the Dix’s standard space / time matrix presented below (Dix, 1995, Pp. 3). The Dix’s space / time matrix illustrates the nature of communications that are possible between workers on a distributed space. Figure 1: Dix’s Standard Space / Time Matrix (Dix, 1995, Pp. 3) However, when thinking about the use of the software Timbuktu as being used to assist with distributed work being performed by workers on networked and distributed computers, a modification of the standard space / time matrix will be required. The refined space / time matrix will evolve as shown in the figure presented below (Chalmers, 2006, Pp. 8). Clearly, the use of the software Timbuktu presents an improvement over the asynchronous communication which was possible between distributed users of remotely located computers. By using Timbuktu it is possible to collaborate better as compared to the asynchronous sharing of email or the transfer of file. However, it is likely that the level of collaboration that is possible will fall short of a high quality video conferencing session. Figure 2: Refined Space / Time Matrix for Communications involving Modified Channels (Chalmers, 2006, Pp. 8) Thus, it is clear that by using the software Timbuktu it is possible to enhance the level of collaboration that is possible between distributed workers who have access to distributed computers on a network. Activity 2: Phenomenological analysis Phenomenology refers to a twentieth century philosophy that attempts to investigate phenomena that is naturally observed by human consciousness and the causes for such phenomenon without any presumptions, preconceptions, presuppositions or other influences about such observed phenomenon (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2008, “Phenomenology”). In the 18th century Johann Heinrich Lambert, the Swiss – German mathematician applied phenomenology to distinguish between truth and illusion or error and in the 19th century, G.F.W. Hegel, the famous philosopher, used phenomenology to understand the human mind in relation to the development of the human spirit in response to experiences from human senses. Edmund Husserl, the Austrian and German philosopher also focused on phenomenology to try and explain a number of observed phenomenons. An important concept in phenomenology is to focus on “the things themselves” and to prevent preconceptions or even customary or religious beliefs to cloud the judgement that is logically arrived at by the reasoning of the human mind. Thus, phenomenology as a philosophy presents the notion that it is possible for reasonable and logical explanations to be provided for carefully observed phenomena and that at the very least insights, essential structures and essential relationships about observed phenomena is possible from careful observation. It will appear that the scientific method and research depends on phenomenology, observation and the logical explanation of observations without any influence of preconceived ideas that may have been provided by customary thinking, such as religious thought. The notion that the Sun and not the Earth was the centre of the solar system was arrived at by Nicolaus Copernicus on the basis of observation and logic. This theory was later supported by Galileo Galilei, the Italian natural philosopher against the prevailing thinking of the time and the previously mentioned fact which is now completely validated illustrates the power of observation and phenomenology in explaining observed phenomena. Epoche refers to the “suspension of judgement” about matters or observed phenomena that are not apparent or adequately explained after observation and attempt to find a logical explanation for observations have been tried (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2008, “Epoche”). It is important that in matters related to knowledge an attitude related to non-involvement be used to permit the mind to try to find an explanation that is not immediately apparent so that it is possible to continue with daily living peacefully and productively. Thus, scientists and philosophers who rely on truth, observation and logical explanations to provide explanations can wait for more observation and inputs to decide about what they have observed if no other logical explanation appears to be adequate. A philosopher who is pondering about phenomena and observations moves from his individual consciousness, experiences of the senses and the observation of concrete objects to intuition and the thinking related to phenomena on the basis of pure essences. Thus, the principles and the necessary structures that are relevant to phenomena gradually become apparent as a result of a reduction of observation and phenomena by the human mind. The process of reduction of observation and phenomena by the human mind is known as phenomenological reduction and this is likely to result in a theory or an explanation that is acceptable to logic and the human mind. A popular example of phenomenological reduction is the enlightenment that was experienced by Archimedes as he was sitting in his bath pondering about density of matter and this enlightenment is said to have caused him to run in the street shouting “Eureka!” (“I have found it!”). However, it is said that the previous is only a popular embellishment (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2008, “Archimedes”). Phenomenological reduction is essential to making sense of complex phenomena through truth, logical and systematic thinking. In phenomenological analysis, the primacy of everyday life is something that neither the scientist nor the philosopher can escape from. Thus, everyday life with its appearances and stimulation of the senses remains unchanged regardless of what may have been thought about in the brain about explanation of observed phenomena. The world of “mere appearances” is the lifeworld in which it is possible to describe lived experiences and the lifeworld for an individual is their sense of being in the world, the accepted truths related to subconscious and the body, the relationships and the physical sense of being that is accepted. Thus, the lifeworld presents a critical framework from within which it is possible to ponder about observation and phenomena to try to reconcile these with the existing thought framework or to expand on the notion of the lifeworld. Physically disabled children may have a different lifeworld to normal adults or researchers and the mentally handicapped will also have a different lifeworld to normal beings. However, explanations about phenomenon are influenced by the nature of the lifeworld that one has and thus it is important to be sure that those who provide explanations have a view of the world that is right. As an example, the view of the world from India may be different to that from United States, because the lifeworld is different. Thus, it is important that when explanations about phenomena and observations are weighed, those who are considering the evidence and the logic should be able to have a common lifeworld that is experienced together (Wapedia, 2008, “Lifeworld”). A person with a mental abnormality cannot be expected to provide adequate explanation for phenomena, because the lifeworld is different and this is illustrated by the movie One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Not everyone is inclined, is disposed towards or has an opportunity to try to explain observed phenomena and to explain structures related to observation. Thus, the relationship between lay people and experts depends on trust, especially when the correct explanation about controversies over matters such as technology is important (Hansen, 2002, Pp. 1 – 5). Thus, trust can be defined as a trait for trusting on the honesty and reliability of others to point out towards the correct explanation for matters without excessive philosophical inquiry. Students have to be able to trust their teacher and academics and advisors have to be trusted if they are to be of value. Often, political decision makers accept the advice and judgements of those they trust without excessive inquiry because such advisors have shown over a long period that they do provide the right explanation and advice. The philosopher Sztompka defined trust as “a bet about the future contingent actions of others” and this has been described as being an elegant definition of trust (Hansen, 2002, Pp. 4). However, trust in the philosophical and scientific contest is not about future actions but the correctness of explanations related to phenomena and observations. A scientist and a philosopher are expected to be truthful and logical and this means that they cannot cook up data to fool others. Scientists such as Galileo had to face the inquisition because of his agreement with the astronomical theory of Nicolaus Copernicus which stated that the earth is not the centre of the universe. However, he is highly respected today because he told the truth after his factual observations which no one else had reproduced. Thus, experts build up trust by appealing to others because they are right and are truthful. (This page intentionally blank) Bibliography/ References 1. Chalmers. 2006. Groupware. Chalmers. Retrieved: August 15, 2008. From: http://www.cs.chalmers.se/Cs/Education/Courses/mdi/2004/lectures/Groupware.pdf 2. Dix, Alan. 1995. Cooperation without Communication: the problems of highly distributed working. University of Huddersfield. Retrieved: August 15, 2008. From: http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/~dixa/papers/CwC92/tech9404.pdf 3. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Archimedes. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Ultimate Reference Suite.  Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica. 4. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Epoche. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Ultimate Reference Suite.  Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica. 5. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Phenomenology. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Ultimate Reference Suite.  Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica. 6. Hansen, Janus. 2002. Trust in Expertise – Some Theoretical Reflections. European University Institute, Italy. Retrieved: August 20, 2008. From: http://www.ifz.tugraz.at/index_en.php/filemanager/download/123/hansen.pdf 7. Netopia Inc. 2006. Getting Started with Timbuktu Pro. Netopia Inc. Retrieved: August 14, 2008. From: ftp://ftp-xo.netopia.com/enterprise/timbuktu/docs/win/TB2Win865GettingStarted.pdf 8. Netopia Inc. 2008. Timbuktu Pro Remote Control Software. Netopia Inc. Retrieved: August 14, 2008. From: http://www.netopia.com/software/products/tb2/index.html 9. Wapedia. 2008. Lifeworld. Wapedia. Retrieved: August 20, 2008. From: http://wapedia.mobi/en/Lifeworld 10. Wroblewski, Elizabeth M and Warner, Norman W. 2006. Team Collaboration Tools: Addressing the Need for Macro-Cognitive Support. United States Naval Air Systems Command. Retrieved: August 15, 2008. From: http://209.85.135.104/search?q=cache:Ruk5NEVd8UsJ:www.onr.navy.mil/sci_tech/34/341/docs/cki_team_collaboration_tools.doc+Is+Timbuktu+Pro+Synchronous+or+Asynchronous%3F&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10&gl=uk Read More