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. $3.99, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2016 by Henry Holt & Company.
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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.
