Mathematics, logic and metaphors of machines, engineering, and science have driven software development for fifty years. Is it finally time to recognize the sterility and failure engendered by traditional approaches? Is it finally time to cast aside stale and tired ideas and attempt a radical reinvention of software development? If so, what philosophical foundations might we draw upon? What metaphors can we employ to guide our thinking? And what might we salvage from the past fifty years?

Dr. David West received his graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin, and joined the New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) faculty in fall 1999 as Professor of Management Information System. He has more than 20 years experience in systems and software development, as well as 12 years experience teaching at the university level. He developed the object and architecture curriculum at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, the largest graduate software engineering program in the world, and the new MIS curriculum for NMHU. He has also presented seminars to more than 100 corporate clients, such as IBM, Honeywell, and Wells Fargo Bank, throughout the United States and six other countries.