Making Science and Technology Results Public A Sociology of Demos Claude Rosental

Demonstrations in mathernatics and in logic are commonly carried out in writing." Many of them are conveyed by academie joumals. Others are given on blackboards, in the framework of research or teaching seminars in particular;" However, wriring is not the only means by which demonstrations are implernented. Other technologies are used to this effecr, in parricular in the fields of computer logie, artificial intelligence and applied mathematics, Such is the case with "demos," which have been more and more used in rhose fields in the recent past, What does the term "demo" refer to?3 Ir is an abbreviation of «demonstration," referring ro one specifie fonn of demonstration, whereas "demonstration" remains a generic term, A demo consists of exhibiting a technological deviee in action, such as a running robot or sorne computer software. The exhibition generaUyoccurs in front of an invited audience, foUowing a carefuUy scripted scenario. Often but not always, a demonstrator eomments on the running of the technical deviee, linking its operation (0 general properties of a specifie formalism or methodology. Demos are used to show the feasibility of a teehnological approach, the value or even conecmess of a specifie logie, or the proper running of a prototype or product. Generally, a repertoire (or stabilized narrative) has been crahed in advance, irs preparation cornmonly raking the demonstrators a long rime. The corresponding exercise remains scripted in the sense that a scenario (script) is used," When a demonsrraror is present during a demo as speaker, he makes himself a representative of the system (somerimes a sales representative], Generally, a whole scene is set up. Extreme and spectacular circumstanœs for the working of the deviee are often created in order to impress the audience and in order to produce witnesses of the

achievements shown on stage. The impact of the demo can then be extended, as the wimesses cali testify orally or in writing to the truth of the achievements to a wider circle of acrors. Like orher forms of demonstration, demos mix technologies of proof and exhibition (or showing) practices, Properties of the formalisms and of the approaches at stake are exhibited to witnesses and shown as emanating from, but also detachable 1. Sec in particul:tr Claude Rosenral, "Richesse ct ivresse de la dêmonssrarion.Les textes scientifiques en logique," in: Figures du/exil' scien/i{tque,Jean·Michei Berthelot (cd.), Presses U"ivcmt:ûn..,. de France. Paris, 200}, pp. 2.75-2.97. 2

For further rcadings

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maties sec in parricular

the sociology

of /ogic and mathc-

Claude Rosenral, "Certifying

Knowl-

edge: nie Sociology of a Logical Theorem in Artificiel lntclligence," in: American Sodo/ogieal Revierv, vol, 68, August :!.oo}, pp, 62.3-044; Gaude Rosenral, "Les travailleurs de la preuve sur Internet. T ransfonnations et permanences du foncuonnemenr de la recherche," in: Actes de fa recherche en sdenœs sociales. 134, Seprember 2.000, l'P. 37-«; David 81oor, "PoIy"':dra and the Abominarions oi Leviricus: Cognitive Styles in Marhematics," in: Essavs in the Socio/O