Human-Machine Symbiosis, 50 Years On

Abstract: Licklider advocated in 1960 the construction of computers capable of working symbiotically with humans to address problems not easily addressed by humans working alone. Since that time, many of the advances that he envisioned have been achieved, yet the time spent by human problem solvers in mundane activities remains large. I propose here four areas in which improved tools can further advance the goal of enhancing human intellect: services, provenance, knowledge communities, and automation of problem-solving protocols.