Fuzzy Logic: Dispatches from the Information Revolution

Jeffrey Moon is head of the Documents Reference/Data Centre at Queen’s
University.

Fuzzy Logic takes us on a journey through the maze of change wrought by
the Internet. The author starts us on this journey by providing a
history of the information revolution, beginning with its roots in the
industrial revolution. After eloquently reminiscing about his
experiences with a “blue Smith Corona” typewriter, Friedman explains
how the typewriter, “a legacy of the industrial revolution,” became
both a victim of, and a catalyst for, the information revolution. He
provides a rich historical context in his discussions of the development
of the computer and the birth of the Internet.

Using topical examples, Friedman then deals with the Internet’s
impact on the economy, culture, democracy, the justice system, and such
issues as censorship and hate literature. The pace of current change,
especially when put in a historical context, is breathtaking. Friedman
slows us down just enough to allow for a consideration of some of the
underpinnings, effects, and myths of the information revolution.

This entertaining, informative, and accessible book provides a valuable
record of where we were, where we are, and to the extent possible, where
the information revolution may be leading us. A bibliography and chapter
notes are included.