Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks About - CSLI Lecture Notes Number 136

Knuth, Donald E.

ISBN 10: 1575863278 / ISBN 13: 9781575863276

Published by CSLI (Center for the Study of Language and Information) Publications, Stanford, California, USA, 2001

About this Item

First Edition / First Print (number line on copyright page 5 4 3 2 1). Hardback copy in quarter bound light grey cloth, dark green boards with gilt lettering to spine. Unclipped dustjacket in new removable protective clear sleeve. 257pp. B/w illustrations throughout. Not library copy, no inscriptions. (58/5). Seller Inventory # ABE-1700574958968

Bibliographic Details

Title: Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks ...

Publisher: CSLI (Center for the Study of Language and Information) Publications, Stanford, California, USA

Publication Date: 2001

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

Edition: 1st Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

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?

Perhaps no one is more qualified to address these questions than Donald E. Knuth, whose massive contributions to computing have led others to nickname him "The Father of Computer Science"—and whose religious faith led him to understand a fascinating analysis of the Bible called the 3:16 project. In this series of six spirited, informal lectures, Knuth explores the relationships between his vocation and his faith, revealing the unique perspective that his work with computing has lent to his understanding of God.

His starting point is the 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 its many dimensions of language translation, aesthetics, and theological history. Along the way, Knuth explains the many insights he gained from such interdisciplinary work. These theological musings culminate in a surprising final lecture tackling the ideas of infinity, free will, and some of the other big questions that lie at the juncture of theology and computation.

Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks About, with its charming and user-friendly format—each lecture ends with a question and answer exchange, and the book itself contains more than 100 illustrations—is a readable and intriguing approach to a crucial topic, certain to edify both those who are serious and curious about their faiths and those who look at the science of computation and wonder what it might teach them about their spiritual world.

Includes "Creativity, Spirituality, and Computer Science," a panel discussion featuring Harry Lewis, Guy L. Steele, Jr., Manuela Veloso, Donald E. Knuth, and Mitch Kapor.

About the Author:

Donald E; Knuth, professor emeritus of the art of computer programming at Stanford University, is the author of The Art of Computer Programming. These lectures were originally presented at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and broadcast live on the Internet.