Feeling the force of argument (2009) [pdf]

As programmers and as engineers, we often seek objective metrics to judge the value of things, neglecting aesthetic value and value that cannot easily be reduced to objective metrics.

This accessible paper reminds us that reasoning is not dispassionate and that we should attend to aesthetic matters as well.

The paper itself is in the context of education and seeks how to convey to students the importance and value of a subject matter.