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Shouldn't we compare the abilities of people vs. computers? Computers can store a lot in their memory, but it's pretty hard to make them prove theorems, whereas
by nnq 13y ago
Shouldn't we compare the abilities of people vs. computers? Computers can store a lot in their memory, but it's pretty hard to make them prove theorems, whereas humans are pretty bad at memorizing anything and pretty good at abstraction.
...and since a programming language should be primarily designed for humans (or, as I actually see it, a programming language should be an interface between the human mind and the computer) and at the same time be executable by computers, choosing more memorization and less abstract concepts seems like a bad idea ...most smart people's minds find juggling abstract concepts easier and more enjoyable than memorizing rules (and when working memory is not enough to hold all the abstract concepts we're juggling, we use anything from pen and paper to other more advanced devices - just ask any mathematician), and those that don't are also those that "just don't get (or like) software", so they shouldn't be programming anyway.
- urbit 13y agoI agree with your goals but not with your observations. Perhaps I'm biased by the fact that I have small children. I am regularly amazed by their ability to memorize words, numbers, symbols, etc, combined with complete incompetence at abstract concepts. Grownups are different, of course, but it's still natural that most of what I know about learning comes from my own kids.