Turing: A natural philosopher (The great philosophers) - Softcover

Hodges, Andrew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0753801922 ISBN 13: 9780753801925

Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1997

Synopsis

Alan Turing's 1936 paper ON COMPUTABLE NUMBERS, introducing the Turing machine, was a landmark of twentieth century thought. It provided the principle of the post-war electronic computer. Influenced by his crucial codebreaking work in thesecond world war, Turing argued that all the operations of the mind could be performed by computers. His thesis, made famous by the wit and drama of the Turing Test, is the cornerstone of modern Artificial Intelligence. Andrew Hodgesgives a fresh and interesting analysis of Turing's developing thought, relating it to his extraordinary life.

About this title

From Library Journal

Once in a while, a publication comes along that on first sight seems oddly out of place but on second viewing is admirably suited to its purpose. This little series of biographical summaries of the thoughts of 24 Western philosophers from Democritus to Derrida is admirable not only for its reasonable price but even more for the intelligence and clarity of the writing. Each volume has been prepared by an expert in the subject, and the result is a series of well-drawn and exceptionally useful pocket-size (4.5 x 7 inches) sketches of major figures in the history of Western thought. The level is such that no special background in philosophy is required to understand the concepts discussed. Each volume also contains a short bibliography, some of which refer to electronic journals or web sites. Most of the individuals chosen for the series come as no surprise, e.g., Descartes, Hegel, Kant, Nietzsche, Locke, Hume, Plato, and Socrates. But there are a few unexpected choices, like Alan Turing and Karl PopperAalthough on further consideration, they make more sense. Turing's influence on mathematics and on the development of computers has long been recognized, but his 1936 paper "On Compatible Numbers," which appeared in the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society in 1936-37, influenced studies in the philosophy of mind. Popper's development of the concept of "historicism" in such works as The Open Society and Its Enemies and The Poverty of Historicism significantly influenced 20th-century political thought. Ultimately, this set should be in every academic and public library as well as many school libraries.ATerry C. Skeats, Bishop's Univ. Lib., Lennoxville, Quebec
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0753801922
• ISBN 13: 9780753801925
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 80