Things a computer scientist rarely talks about

Author

• Knuth, Donald E.

Additional Author(s)

-

Publisher

California: CSLI Publications, 2001

Language

English

ISBN

9781575863269

Series

CSLI lecture notes 136

Subject(s)

• COMPUTERS AND CIVILIZATION
• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• RELIGION AND SCIENCE
• SCIENCE-PHILOSOPHY

Notes

. Bibliography: p. 236-237. Index: p. 239-257

Abstract

How does a computer scientist understand infinity? What can probability theory teach us about free will? Can mathematical notions be used to enhance one's personal understanding of the Bible? This book contains six informal lectures by computer scientist Donald E. Knuth exploring the relationship between his vocation and his faith, revealing the unique perspective that his work with computing has lent to his understanding of God. Knuth's starting point is his 3:16 project, an application of mathematical "random sampling" to the books of the Bible. The first lectures tell the story of the project's conception and execution, exploring the complex dimensions of language translation, aesthetics, and theological history. Knuth also reveals the many insights that he has gained along the way from such interdisciplinary work. The theological musings culminate in a final lecture which tackles infinity, free will, and the other "big questions" that lie at the juncture of theology and computation. Each lecture ends with a question and answer exchange.

Physical Dimension

Number of Page(s)

xi, 257 p.

Dimension

23 cm.

Other Desc.

ill.

Summary / Review / Table of Content

Why I am unqualified to give these lectures --
Why the lectures might be interesting anyway --
The 3:16 project, a turning point in my life --
Randomization and Religion --
The advantages of unbiased sampling as a way to gain insight into a complicated subject --
Dangers to avoid when using this approach --
Language Translation --
How to translate Bible verses without knowing Hebrew or Greek --
The surprising rewards of such attempts, even though the task is difficult or impossible --
Aesthetics --
Scientific work as an artistic endeavor --
The deep influence that beautiful presentation can have on our understanding of texts --
Illustrations by many of the world's greatest masters of calligraphy --
Glimpses of God --
What I think I learned about God from the 3:16 project --
What I think I learned about theology from the 3:16 project --
The difference between the two --
God and Computer Science --
Computer programmers as creators of new universes --
Computational complexity as a way to approach the questions of free will and omnipotence --
Other concepts of computer science that may give insights about divinity --
Panel: Creativity, Spirituality, and Computer Science.

Exemplar(s)

#	Accession No.	Call Number	Location	Status
1.	00839/18	261.5 Knu T	Library - 7th Floor	Available