Lyotard, Research and Its Legitimation through Performativity

On the Postmodern Condition, Lyotard writes an intriguing chapter on "Research and Its Legitimating through Performativity". He returns to the science field and "the multiplicaton in methods of argumentation" and the other being, "rising complexity level in the process of establishing proof." After reading the statement I began to think about the possible connections in this chapter and Turing's essay, "Computing Machinery and Intelligence."

I idetify with Lyotard's statement on "rising complexity . . ." because on a practical level, it relates to this pressure that is building within our culture on DNA proof.  The major connections that come to mind are: Maze and Monsanto in Mexico, paternal testing, and advances in forensic science that question the validity of human testimony.  One could go even farther by thinking about the effect "multiplication in methods of argumentation" effects the process of establishing proof.  Even how that can shake our perception of 'proof'.

Now revisiting Turing at this juncture of 'process', 'proof', and rising complexity, one can see a surface connection to Lyotard.  Turing's question of establishing proof of intelligence and thinking machines is also connected Lyotards assessment of "rising complexity level in the process . . ."  

More specifically, in the 'form' of his description of the imitation game. Some of the language used and action described are mixed signals to me.  I think in part because there is an underlining element of performativity.

I am interested in discussing performativity and I am still processing the larger underlining  connections it makes to understanding Lyotard, Turing, and Licklider.

I am drawn to Licklider as well because of the engagement that he is describing between Man and Computer. Thought he is calling it a symbiotic relationship what he is really describing are methods and process.  He writes that one of the main aims are to allow humans and computers to cooperate in making decisions and "controlling complex situations" He continues by stating that what computers are really helping with is the process of preparing the way for humans to gain insite and make decisions.  The statement as well as how he describes the human methodology in the partnership draw my curiosity into discussing the relationships of the two texts with Lyotards chapter on "Research and Its legitimating through Performativity." Performativity in Lyotards work is a loaded concept that I would like for use to unpack.

-rosie