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[RRE]Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks Aboutwriting

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[RRE]Things a Computer Scientist Rarely Talks About

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Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 19:30:33 -0400 (EDT) From: Anne Foerst Subject: Don Knuth, speaker for the Fall "God and Computers" series

The "God and Computers" project continues in Fall 1999! We will have, however, a slightly different format and present our speaker for the Fall,

DONALD E. KNUTH

Professor Emeritus of The Art of Computer Programming Stanford University

Don will give a series of six lectures about interactions between faith and computer science. As always, the lectures are free and open for the public. They will be held at MIT 34-101 (50 Vassar ST) on Wednesdays. We will start at 4:15 pm with refreshments, the talks and discussions begin at 4:30 pm. The lecture series is entitled,

THINGS A COMPUTER SCIENTIST RARELY TALKS ABOUT

Lecture 1 (October 6): Introduction. Why I am unqualified to give these lectures. Why the lectures might be interesting anyway. The 3:16 project, a turning point in my life.

Lecture 2 (October 13): Randomization and Religion. The advantages of unbiased sampling as a way to gain insight into a complicated subject. Dangers to avoid when using this approach.

Lecture 3 (October 27): Language Translation. How to translate Bible verses without knowing Hebrew or Greek. The surprising rewards of such attempts, even though the task is difficult or impossible.

Lecture 4 (November 3): Aesthetics. Scientific work as an artistic endeavor. The deep influence that beautiful presentation can have on our understanding of texts. Illustrations by many of the world's greatest masters of calligraphy.

Panel Discussion (November 17)

Lecture 5 (December 1): Glimpses of God. What I think I learned about God from the 3:16 project. What I think I learned about theology from the 3:16 project. The difference between the two.

Lecture 6 (December 8): God and Computer Science. Computer programmers as creators of new universes. Computational complexity as a way to approach questions of free will and omnipotence. Other concepts of computer science that may give insights about divinity.

  • --
    • Dr.theol. Anne Foerst

    MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab 545 Technology SQ, # 934 Cambridge, MA 02139 +1 / 617 / 253-6532

    Center for the Study of Values Harvard Divinity School in Public Life 56 Francis Ave Cambridge, MA 02138

    http://www.ai.mit.edu/people/annef/ ```

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