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Computer programs are formal objects, just like let say Euclidean geometry is. Their syntax and semantics is entirely abstract and mathematics, even though they
by yodsanklai 12y ago
Computer programs are formal objects, just like let say Euclidean geometry is. Their syntax and semantics is entirely abstract and mathematics, even though they can be run on a machine that gives you a concrete feeling.
And conversely, most maths aren't that abstract. Mathematicians constantly draw diagrams, plot curves, and use various concrete representations of the object they manipulate. Geometric intuition is a very important tool. I wonder if it's not our best strength compared to machines.
- johnchristopher 12y ago> And conversely, most maths aren't that abstract. Mathematicians constantly draw diagrams, plot curves, and use various concrete representations of the object they manipulate. Geometric intuition is a very important tool. I wonder if it's not our best strength compared to machines. That would fit with the whole gestalt theory and how our brains are really good at intuitively* finding shapes within shapes (literally). * read: not with predefined conscious algorithms
- gohrt 12y agoPerl and Javascript programs are not formal objects, anymore than an essay is. Any language where "the implementation is the spec" is not a formal object.
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- yodsanklai 12y agoIt is. The spec is just more complicated. The meaning of a such a program is entirely defined by the code of the compiler and the underlying architecture. But it's true that some systems are so complex that we study them empirically like natural objects rather than formally.