David Beer is Professor of Sociology at the University of York.

"With attention to detail and a historical sensitivity, Beer weaves together a compelling story of the forces and frictions surrounding automation today. A treasure trove for anyone interested in the social theory of machine learning." Taina Bucher, University of Oslo

• 1. Introduction: Tense Thinking and the Myths of an Algorithmic New Life2. The Pursuit of Posthuman Security3. Overstepping and the Navigation of the Perceived Limits of Algorithmic Thinking4. (Dreaming of) Super Cognizers and the Stretching of the Known5. The Presences of Nonknowledge6. Conclusion: Algorithmic Thinking and the Will to Automate

David Beer is Professor of Sociology at the University of York.

"With attention to detail and a historical sensitivity, Beer weaves together a compelling story of the forces and frictions surrounding automation today. A treasure trove for anyone interested in the social theory of machine learning." Taina Bucher, University of Oslo

• 1. Introduction: Tense Thinking and the Myths of an Algorithmic New Life2. The Pursuit of Posthuman Security3. Overstepping and the Navigation of the Perceived Limits of Algorithmic Thinking4. (Dreaming of) Super Cognizers and the Stretching of the Known5. The Presences of Nonknowledge6. Conclusion: Algorithmic Thinking and the Will to Automate