Things A Computer Scientist Rarely Talks About.

KNUTH, Donald E.

$850.00

Item Number: 146716

Stanford, CA: Center for the Study of Language, 2001.

First edition of this collection of lectures, by the legendary computer scientist. Octavo, original half cloth, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author opposite the title page, “Best wishes, Bill! Don Knuth.” Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Uncommon signed.

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.