Algorithms as complementary abstractions

The text diagnoses two opposing tendencies in the research on algorithms: first abstracts and unites heterogeneous developments under term “algorithm”; second emphasizes specifics such as data sets, material conditions, software libraries, interfaces, so on, thus dissolving that which apparently algorithms do into more fine-grained analyses. proposes a perspective resolves this tension by conceiving of relation between abstract concrete allows to capture both their interdependence. This approach is informed motives: first, necessity connect detailed analyses specific information technologies with general political concerns; second, application recent feminist critiques epistemology analysis algorithms. ensuing relational connected genealogy algorithmic technology before being demonstrated regarding mutually complementing relationships: algorithms-materiality, algorithms-data, algorithms-code, algorithms-interfaces.