Jacob WardJul 5, 2023

I've finally decided to experiment with Mastodon, so here's an #introduction #histodons

I'm a historian of science, technology, and neoliberalism. My first book (coming out Spring 2024) investigates the digitalisation and privatisation of Britain's telecom infrastructure, and I've recently started a new project on the history of futurology in British government.

I grew up and went to university in London, and now I work at Maastricht University, in the History department and STS research programme.

I had a Twitter account but was shocking at actually using it. Twitter always felt a bit too "broadcast" and exposing for me, which I think I reacted to by only posting declarations and announcements (when I posted at all). I'd like to be more active here and I hope there's more space for dialogue and interaction. Thanks for reading!

Show threadMrinappropriateJul 7, 2023
@jacobward Hreat to have you here, but I have to ask- The History of Futurology? Vs The Future of History? Sorry. Wine. 😔
Show threadJacob WardJul 8, 2023
@MrInappropriate no idea what historical research will look like in 50 years' time (ok, probably not radically different, but wouldn't be surprised if digital methods are much more commonplace, especially web history). But history of futurology (e.g. "scenario planning, "foresight", Delphi methods, "horizon scanning") I feel much more qualified to talk about!
Show threadMrinappropriate
@jacobward Oracles, scrying, crystal balls through to computer modelling?
Jul 8, 2023 at 9:49amWeb
Show threadJacob WardJul 10, 2023
@MrInappropriate exactly, and it's specifically the introduction of computer methods from the 60s onwards that I find interesting. Simulation allows forecasters to generate far more possible futures/worlds experiment with, which I think might have had interesting consequences for policymaking
Show threadMrinappropriateJul 10, 2023
@jacobward Had said policy makers been prepared to listen. #science #politics