**The History of ‘Rules’ That Govern the World**
*Algorithm, Paradigm, Law*
Written by Lorraine Daston / Translated by Hong Seong-wook and Hwang Jeong-ha
Kkachi / 464 pages | 23,000 won
The world operates on ‘rules.’ Not only traffic signals but also recycling methods, working hours, in-flight baggage regulations, and the placement of cutlery—all have rules.
When did these rules come into being, and why do people follow them? Renowned historian of science, Lorraine Daston, Honorary Director of the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, was also curious. Her curiosity was piqued during a visit to a beach in northern Germany, which had designated areas for people, dog owners, and those wanting to play beach volleyball. Most people adhered to these beach rules, which led her to research the history of rules. *Algorithm, Paradigm, Law* is the result, offering a fresh perspective on rules we often take for granted.
Rules begin with imitation. Children don’t learn to say “thank you” from etiquette books; they observe and mimic the behavior of those around them. Adults do the same, especially in foreign dining scenarios where they watch how others behave. This is described as “rules as models.”
However, in a complicated world, informal imitation has its limits, which is why explicit rules emerged. Here, Daston introduces the concepts of “thin rules” and “thick rules.” Thin rules are clear and straightforward, like the rules of chess, where each piece has defined moves with no ambiguity.
In contrast, centuries ago, chess rules were much thicker, with explanations, exceptions, and stipulations. Thick rules, which included examples, exceptions, and discretionary elements, were prevalent in medieval Europe. The rules of St. Benedict, outlining how monks should live, allowed significant discretion in interpretation.
However, in the modern era, thin rules became preferred due to their clarity and predictability in application. Unlike thick rules, thin rules do not allow exceptions. Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court once wrote, “If I grant you an exception, I must do so for everyone.” Allowing exceptions could lead to chaos.
Daston, however, points out a dilemma between thin and thick rules. Take the thin rule “do not steal.” What if a poor, starving person with no job prospects steals a loaf of bread from a wealthy person’s table? Should such a person be punished strictly, or should an exception be made? This dilemma has troubled philosophers, theologians, jurists, and novelists for centuries.
This problem extends to computer algorithms, which are a type of thin rule. Even with AI advancements, judgment cannot solely rely on computers because no legislation can foresee every future scenario, necessitating flexibility and exceptions in rules.
When rules become overly specific, they can fail—like Europe’s sumptuary laws from the 1300s to the 1800s. Bans on specific items, such as Genoa’s prohibition on sable fur decoration or Paris’s ban on gold buttons, were ultimately unsuccessful due to creative evasion and bold defiance.
This book provides much to ponder about the significance of rules, especially in times when the reasons for following them are questioned.