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The Pattern On The Stone: The Simple Ideas that Make Computers Work (Science Masters)

The Pattern On The Stone: The Simple Ideas that Make Computers Work (Science Masters)

by W.DanielHillis (Author)

  • Used

    Paperback 2001

    $3.24
Synopsis

The world was shocked when a computer, Deep Blue defeated Gary Kasparov, arguably the greatest human chess player ever to have lived. This remarkable victory, and other, more day-to-day innovations, beg serious questions: what are the limits of what computers can do? Can they think? Do they learn? Discussions of these questions tend to get muddled because most people have only the vaguest idea of how computers actually work. This book explains the inner workings of computers in a way that does not require a profound knowledge of mathematics nor an understanding of electrical engineering. Starting with an account of how computers are built and why they work, W. Daniel Hillis describes what they can and cannot do -- at the present time - before explaining how a computer can surpass its programmer and, finally, where humanity has reached in its quest for a true Thinking Machine.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 176
 Edition: New
 Publisher: Phoenix
Published: 16 Aug 2001
ISBN 10: 0753812622
ISBN 13: 9780753812624
Book Overview: Part of the Science Masters series - bringing together some of the world's finest scientists to expore and explain the key ideas in contemporary science The author is a well-known pioneer in the field of computers First paperback publication Whether it be Robbie the Robot or HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey, there is something about intelligent machines that both terrifies and fascinates the popular imagination. This book will demonstrate the degree to which the anxieties we feel are justified, and the degree to which they are misplaced 'Excellent reading for many an audience, from undergraduates to readers who just want to know what all the fuss is about' New Scientist 'A delightful all-in-one introduction to computer science' Booklist Magazine

Author Bio
Daniel Hillis is one of the world's hottest computer scientists. He was co-founder and chief scientist of the Thinking Machines Corporation and principal architect of the company's major product, the Connection Machine. He is an Editor of several scientific journals, including Artificial Life and Future Generation Computer Systems and is currently Vice President and Disney Fellow at Walt Disney Imagineering. Adam Hart-Davis is a freelance photographer, writer and broadcaster. He won awards for the BBC 2 series, Local Heroes and his publications include Eurekaaarh!