Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
5-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Program
Liberal Studies
Advisor
Christopher Schmidt
Subject Categories
History of Science, Technology, and Medicine | Science and Technology Studies
Keywords
Neurodivergence, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Ideology, Libertarianism, Richard M. Stallman, Linus Torvalds
Abstract
A common theme in public discourse is the recognition that technology in general, and digital technology specifically, has an enormous impact on the everyday lives of people from all walks of modern life, in almost every corner of the globe. This thesis interrogates the connection between neurodivergence—the presence of neurological variations considered outside the cognitive norm— and individualistic ideology within the information technology industries. Through the biographies, substantial record of activities, public statements, and writings surrounding two influential figures in the contemporary practice of computer science, Richard Stallman and Linus Torvalds, it conducts an investigation into this convergence and its resulting impact on the surrounding culture.
Recommended Citation
Williams, David J., "The Crusader and the Dictator: An Exploration of Ideology and Neurodivergence in Contemporary Technology Practice" (2019). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/3093
Included in
History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Commons, Science and Technology Studies Commons