The computer in perspective: Towards a relevant use of the computer in the study of literature

This paper addresses the question how the computer can be used in a relevant way in the study of literature. The first part presents an assessment of the state of the art in literary computing. It is argued that it is time for a reconsideration of the role of the computer from the (meta)theoretical and epistemological perspective of the so-called NIKOL-conception of literature. The second part discusses the relevance of Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Science to this perspective. A distinction is made between the performance mode and the simulation mode of AI research. On the basis of this distinction two ways of applying AI methods in empirical literary research are proposed. The first proposal concerns the potential use of performance-oriented programs in the automated coding of literary critiques; the second is intended as a step in the merging of the Empirical Study of Literature and Cognitive Science and involves computer simulation of literary reading as an aid in theory construction.