Hans Diebner
Physiker / Abteilungsleiter
ZKM, Karlsruhe
Native Language: German
23 June 2003

http://diebner.de

01. How would you describe the project/s you are currently working on to a non-scientist?
I try to understand how human beings understand. Related to this question is a further question of whether the human understanding process can be automatized or whether it is something that only humans can. Also, I investigate philosophical and ethical questions related with artificial intelligent systems.

02. Where, as a scientist, do you see the creativity in your work and/or life?
This is an especially difficult question, since it conincides with a question out of my field of research namely to understand "creativity". Since I always work with computer simulations, I so to say create sometimes artificial computer universes which is ideed a creative process. A programmer at the same time is also a demiurge. I think, however, that a ``simulation'' can also be done virtually in the brain, which is a kind of flight simulator, where one can speak of a creation as well, especially when this leads to a theory. Thus, a creative process not only refers to create hardware as sometimes falsely assumed.

03. When you embark on research, do you start with a defined goal or does the goal emerge through the process?
Unfortunately, one is forced to apply for third party funds which necessitates a defined goal. But the truth is, that one uses an older project to write the proposal and finance a new one with that where the goal very often emerges in a process. On the other hand -- and I think this holds for almost all scientists -- one has a large pre-existing goal behind all the partial goals of single projects.

04. With regard to your research, how would you describe the processes and outcomes in terms of the concepts 'natural' and 'artificial'?
Oh Jesus. Natural and artififial are relational entities that never stop to be controversially debated. When I create an artificial computer universe it is -- as the name says -- something that has an original that is to be modeled and in so far artificial. But, firstly, this holds not always and, secondly, one can view the creation of a simulation as a re-ontogenetic process and treat the computer and its states as a part of Nature that is to be described. The distinction reminds of the two cultures of J.P.Snow (perhaps there are even three). Cybernetics is the discipline, where the human being and its creations are both, a cultural as well as a naturaltopic. Cybernetics itself is as any other science part of culture.

05. Where do you gain inspiration and support for your work?
By musics (active and listening), love and from time to time a cold beer with good friends. A good exhibition can also be very inspiring.

06. How are possible applications from your research determined?
Although this is not obligatory, one may expect applications in data mining and other intelligent soft- and hardware problems.

07. Do you share a language with other scientists (across cultures)? If so please describe how this language works.
Unfortunately I cannot speak Japanese. But I like Japan and I collaborate with Japanese colleagues. I hope to find time soon to learn this fascinating language and to get into deeper touch with the culture there.

08. Does your work encompass or involve a possible benefit (tangible or intangible) to society? If so, how would you describe this benefit to non-scientists?
Yes, I hope so. The internet, as the most important example, is an enormously challenging tool that changes structures of communication that are important for many. How to deal with the manner of how information is presented is of importance for everyone. In my program called "performative science" I explicitely try to find sensory perceptible installations of abstract scientific contents where the non-scientist defines the target group. The process of how we understand may in fact become important for the society. Of course, what we can contribute is a small mosaic.

09. Would you describe your future world view as pessimistic or optimistic? Why?
Very optimistic. The only current really frightening evolution is the loss of secularisation and democracy going out from the US government.

10. Do you believe you share this future world view with other scientists (in your field) or would you describe this view as personal?
Yes, with the most.