Dick Wall

Edinburgh

Account Manager

Software development seems to me to have a lot in common with crafts. Typically it depends upon on the job learning and benefits from good relevant experience. The skills often seem to be more readily caught than taught.

Similar to a musician or a chess player for instance. And like musicians and chess players some of the good ones are good communicators and some are dreadful.

Of course theoretical understanding is worthwhile training and will help produce rounded professionals but is over emphasised in many evaluations IMHO.

Interesting view of the history of Newton's cultural effects. For 17th century minds and even young ones today it is pleasantly surprising how rule governed things appear to be. Chaos theorey has also reduced our belief in the ordained ness of the universe. Arguably the solar system is for instance chaotic, mathematical models require simplifications and assumptions that are of unknown reliability.