Visual reasoning
Encyclopedia
In a frequently cited paper in the journal Science
and later book Eugene S. Ferguson
, a mechanical engineer and historian of technology, claims what many engineers and technologists take for granted: visual reasoning is a widely used tool used in creating technological artefacts. There is ample evidence that visual methods, particularly drawing, play a central role in creating artefacts. Ferguson's visual reasoning also has parallels in philosopher David Gooding
's argument that experimental scientists work with a combination of action, instruments, objects and procedures as well as words. That is, with a significant non-verbal component.
Ferguson argues that non-verbal (largely visual) reasoning does not get much attention in areas like history of technology
and philosophy of science
because the people involved are verbal rather than visual thinkers.
Those who use visual reasoning, notably architects, designers and engineers, conceive and manipulate objects in "the mind's eye" before putting them on paper. Having done this the paper or computer versions (in CAD) can be manipulated by metaphorically "building" the object on paper (or computer) before building it physically.
Nicola Tesla claimed that the first alternating current motor he built ran perfectly because he had visualized and "run" models of it in his mind before building the prototype.
Science (journal)
Science is the academic journal of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and is one of the world's top scientific journals....
and later book Eugene S. Ferguson
Eugene S. Ferguson
Eugene S. Ferguson was an engineer and historian of technology.After holding a number of engineering positions in manufacturing he moved into engineering education and then the history of technology. His 1977 paper on visual reasoning is frequently cited...
, a mechanical engineer and historian of technology, claims what many engineers and technologists take for granted: visual reasoning is a widely used tool used in creating technological artefacts. There is ample evidence that visual methods, particularly drawing, play a central role in creating artefacts. Ferguson's visual reasoning also has parallels in philosopher David Gooding
David Gooding
David Charles Gooding was Professor of History and Philosophy of Science and Director of the Science Studies Centre, at the University of Bath, UK...
's argument that experimental scientists work with a combination of action, instruments, objects and procedures as well as words. That is, with a significant non-verbal component.
Ferguson argues that non-verbal (largely visual) reasoning does not get much attention in areas like history of technology
History of technology
The history of technology is the history of the invention of tools and techniques, and is similar in many ways to the history of humanity. Background knowledge has enabled people to create new things, and conversely, many scientific endeavors have become possible through technologies which assist...
and philosophy of science
Philosophy of science
The philosophy of science is concerned with the assumptions, foundations, methods and implications of science. It is also concerned with the use and merit of science and sometimes overlaps metaphysics and epistemology by exploring whether scientific results are actually a study of truth...
because the people involved are verbal rather than visual thinkers.
Those who use visual reasoning, notably architects, designers and engineers, conceive and manipulate objects in "the mind's eye" before putting them on paper. Having done this the paper or computer versions (in CAD) can be manipulated by metaphorically "building" the object on paper (or computer) before building it physically.
Nicola Tesla claimed that the first alternating current motor he built ran perfectly because he had visualized and "run" models of it in his mind before building the prototype.