Set Lonnert
Humanistics & Technology
Since 1980 • Humanistics • Philosophy • Computing
Combining humanities and technology since 1980. When there were only 23,500 webservers in 1995, I had already been working with computers for fifteen years, exploring the intersection of analytical philosophy and computing—a perspective that remains crucial for bringing clarity and simplicity to our digital world.
With experience spanning over four decades and academic training in the humanities, I bring a unique lens to understanding how technology shapes society and human experience.
1995: 23,500 webservers, homepage launched
1998: 2.4M websites (Google launches)
2022: SLHT celebrates 25 years
Today: Still bridging worlds
Featured Work
From Code to Computation (2026)
A comprehensive exploration of computing from first principles, examining the philosophical and practical foundations that underpin our digital age. Available at major bookstores.
The Conditions of Intelligence (2026)
Artificial Minds, Human Questions. A philosophical inquiry into what intelligence requires — examining the assumptions hidden inside our models and the human questions no algorithm can dissolve. Coming soon to major bookstores.
The Worldless Machine (2026)
Language, Labor, and the Conditions That Produced AI. When large language models began producing fluent text, the concepts we use to describe minds — understanding, meaning, feeling — stopped working the way they always had. Not because the concepts were wrong. Because they were formed for a world that had never before contained anything like this. Coming soon to major bookstores.
Philosophy in Practice
Analytical Clarity
Bringing the precision of analytical philosophy to the often murky world of technology. Clear concepts lead to better understanding and more thoughtful implementation. This clarity helps e.g., expose hidden assumptions and prevents confusion from propagating into systems that must operate reliably at scale.
Historical Perspective
Over four decades of computing experience provides context that's invaluable for understanding current trends and anticipating future developments. It also sharpens the ability to distinguish enduring principles from short-lived trends.
Humanistic Technology
Technology exists within society, not separate from it. Every technical decision has human implications that deserve careful consideration. And every system we design, deploy, or maintain carries with it assumptions about how people should live, work, and interact with one another.