Computational Explorations of Creativity and Innovation. An in-silico laboratory to understand the social dimension of creativity

Another widespread misconception is that numbers depersonalize or somehow diminish individuality. There is of course a legitimate concern about reducing complicated phenomena to simple numerical scales or statistics. Fancy mathematical terms and reams of statistical correlations and computer printouts do not in themselves produce understanding, social scientists' claims notwithstanding. Reducing a complex intelligence or the economy to numbers on a scale, whether I.Q. or GNP, is myopic at best and many times simply ludicrous. That said, objections to being identified for special purposes by number (social security, credit cards, etc.) seem silly. If anything, a number in these contexts enhances individuality; no two people have the same credit-card number, for example, whereas many have similar names or personality traits or socioeconomic profiles. (I personally use my middle name-John Allen Paulos-to keep the masses from confusing me with the Pope.) I'm always amused by commercials for banks which tout their personalized service, which service amounts to a poorly trained and badly paid cashier saying "Good morning" and then promptly fouling up your transaction ...»