Understanding Invention as a Cognitive Process: The Case of Thomas Edison and Early Motion Pictures, 1888-91

Author:

Carlson W. Bernard1,Gorman Michael E.1

Affiliation:

1. Humanities Division, Thornton Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22901, USA.

Abstract

This paper describes an interpretive framework for understanding the cognitive or mental processes of inventors, and applies this framework to narrating how Thomas Edison developed the kinetoscope, or motion picture. A review of recent developments in the history of technology and cognitive science suggests the need for better conceptual categories for understanding and comparing how inventors approach problems. We show how Edison created a mental model of the kinetoscope from his existing phonograph, and how his assistant William K. L. Dickson (who is often credited with inventing the kinetoscope) developed his own alternative mental model. We further discuss how Edison utilized building blocks or mechanical representations from previous inventions, and what strategies or heuristics he employed. In particular, we examine how Edison divided the project between himself and Dickson. The overall result of applying our framework to this case is to provide a clearer picture of the roles played by Edison and Dickson in this invention. The paper closes with a discussion on the potential relationship between cognitive and sociological approaches to technological innovation.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

History and Philosophy of Science,General Social Sciences,History

Cited by 27 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

1. Art in the Age of Virtual Reproduction;Springer Series on Cultural Computing;2024

2. Learning Through Technology in Dance;Creativity, Education and the Arts;2024

3. Invention and Open Innovation Processes, and Linkages: A Conceptual Framework;Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity;2020-11-18

4. Mental Models and Creative Invention;Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship;2020

5. Prototype Scenarios as Negotiation Arenas Between the Present and Imagined Futures. Representation and Negotiation Power in Constructing New Socio-Technical Configurations;Socio-Technical Futures Shaping the Present;2019

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3