A fascinating exploration of how computer algorithms can be applied to our everyday lives. In this dazzlingly interdisciplinary work, acclaimed author Brian Christian and cognitive scientist Tom Griffiths show us how the simple, precise algorithms used by computers can also untangle very human questions. Modern life is constrained by limited space and time, limits that give rise to a particular set of problems. What should we do, or leave undone, in a day or a lifetime? How much messiness should we ...
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A fascinating exploration of how computer algorithms can be applied to our everyday lives. In this dazzlingly interdisciplinary work, acclaimed author Brian Christian and cognitive scientist Tom Griffiths show us how the simple, precise algorithms used by computers can also untangle very human questions. Modern life is constrained by limited space and time, limits that give rise to a particular set of problems. What should we do, or leave undone, in a day or a lifetime? How much messiness should we accept? The authors explain how to have better hunches and when to leave things to chance, how to deal with overwhelming choices and how best to connect with others. From finding a spouse to finding a parking spot, from organizing one's inbox to understanding the workings of human memory, Algorithms To Live By is full of practical takeaways to help you solve common decision-making problems and illuminate the workings of the human mind.
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Add this copy of Algorithms to Live By: the Computer Science of Human to cart. $4.92, good condition, Sold by Seattle Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Holt McDougal.
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May have some shelf-wear due to normal use. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
Add this copy of Algorithms to Live By: the Computer Science of Human to cart. $4.93, fair condition, Sold by Seattle Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Holt McDougal.
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Fair. May have some shelf-wear due to normal use. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
Add this copy of Algorithms to Live By: the Computer Science of Human to cart. $6.25, good condition, Sold by Hippo Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Toledo, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Holt Paperbacks.
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Good. All pages and cover are intact. Possible slightly loose binding, minor highlighting and marginalia, cocked spine or torn dust jacket. Maybe an ex-library copy and not include the accompanying CDs, access codes or other supplemental materials.
Add this copy of Algorithms to Live By: the Computer Science of Human to cart. $7.59, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Carrollton, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Picador.
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Add this copy of Algorithms to Live By: the Computer Science of Human to cart. $8.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Carrollton, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Picador.
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Add this copy of Algorithms to Live By the Computer Science of Human to cart. $8.99, very good condition, Sold by A Good Read rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Wheatfield, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Allen Lane.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Algorithms to Live By: the Computer Science of Human to cart. $9.49, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Carrollton, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2017 by Picador.
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So I haven't quite finished reading the book, yet -- I'm on chapter 3. And so far the discussion of the algorithms is very accessible and good. The one thing I miss about it is its limited focus. For example (partial spoiler), the "secretary problem" (where you are trying to hire somebody and are tasked to select the best candidate sequentially out of some fixed number) is only analyzed assuming it is a fixed problem. Maybe the real solution is to simply put out a better ad. Also, how do you even define the "best" candidate? No guarantee that job seekers are sortable like that, and quite likely that any of the top few will do a great job. I wish the book would go more into or at least mention such obvious pitfalls.
Edgar
Apr 28, 2016
Human Algorithmic Design...Wow!
A wonderfully readable book, with clever humor throughout, on an otherwise substantial subject. Christian and Griffiths have explored an array of the key concepts and processes utilized in the fields of computer science and cognitive science, which have analogs to the kinds of decision making people deal with day-to-day. They call this 'Human Algorithmic Design'. I particularly liked the chapters on 'Explore / Exploit' and 'Randomness'. Liked the whole book.
