What is an algorithm?
An algorithm (pronounced AL-go-rith-um) is a procedure or formula for solving a problem, based on conducting a sequence of specified actions. A computer program can be viewed as an elaborate algorithm. In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm usually means a small procedure that solves a recurrent problem.
An algorithm (pronounced AL-go-rith-um) is a procedure or formula for solving a problem, based on conducting a sequence of specified actions. A computer program can be viewed as an elaborate algorithm. In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm usually means a small procedure that solves a recurrent problem.
Definition - What does Algorithm mean?
An algorithm is a step by step method of solving a problem. It is commonly used for data processing, calculation, and other related computer and mathematical operations.
An algorithm is also used to manipulate data in various ways, such as inserting a new data item, searching for a particular item or sorting an item.
Technology is everywhere in our society, and it is, in fact, changing our society rapidly in ways unforeseen and sometimes unforseen. What do we need to know, and when do we need to know it?
Welcome to Futurography, an online series of informal classes that will give you, the reader, a personal, cultural, political, and technological understanding of the future. Over the next six months, we will look at artificial intelligence, drones, cyberwar, driverless cars, algorithms, and geoengineering. For each subject, we’ll tell you who you should know about, what you should be reading about, and the issues everyone is talking about. Then we’ll share a series of articles with the latest information. It will be as informative and helpful as any online learning course, all without the tuition and the exams.
In his book The Master Algorithm, Pedro Domingos offers a masterfully simple definition: “An algorithm is,” Domingos writes, “a sequence of instructions telling a computer what to do.” As Domingos goes on to explain, algorithms are reducible to three logical operations: AND, OR, and NOT. While these operations can chain together in extraordinarily complex ways, at core algorithms are built out of simple rational associations.
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What do we not want algorithms to do for us?
So far the debate over the use of algorithms has only hinted at what, for lack of a better term, might be called the creepiness factor. Robotics has the Uncanny Valley. Bioethicists argue about the “wisdom of repugnance,” a feeling of disgust some people experience when contemplating procedures such as genetic engineering. But when it comes to algorithms, we still focus largely on their effectiveness rather than the possibility that they might create something deeply unpleasant.
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Having worked for years with Electronics and computer controls, I have an excellent understanding of the " Electronic Logic " use of the AND, OR and NOR functions.
These are the basic units which are used to govern the electronic controls in all circuits; from simple to the very complicated large applications.
The big question is how and why certain people want to use the Algorithm or electronic control " Logic" to control the world - Through the use of A.I. {Artificial Intelligence}! It is some what like letting the dog walk the human.
If you take time to look at what and how algorithms are being used in the world today - You will find that there has been much smoke and mirrors or plane fluff; because are some serious complications. While many circuits have been used to control certain; limited tasks or simple assignments. Yet even with the great applications to date - many simple functions such as simulations of the human hand movements tend do not function well in the A.I. arena.
Much of this is because the real world is analog which is instant continuous movements and even sweeping spitiraling motions. While the electric Logic circuits are Digital or step by step manipulations. An easy comparison would be to look at how one has to play chess or checkers on the Grid playing board - vs any other place you can just sweep or move directly from one place to another on the same playing surface, without any grid restrictions or limits.
{This is only considering a single plane surface of operation!}
** Will continue this study in a later blog - stop back!
An algorithm is also used to manipulate data in various ways, such as inserting a new data item, searching for a particular item or sorting an item.
Technology is everywhere in our society, and it is, in fact, changing our society rapidly in ways unforeseen and sometimes unforseen. What do we need to know, and when do we need to know it?
Welcome to Futurography, an online series of informal classes that will give you, the reader, a personal, cultural, political, and technological understanding of the future. Over the next six months, we will look at artificial intelligence, drones, cyberwar, driverless cars, algorithms, and geoengineering. For each subject, we’ll tell you who you should know about, what you should be reading about, and the issues everyone is talking about. Then we’ll share a series of articles with the latest information. It will be as informative and helpful as any online learning course, all without the tuition and the exams.
In his book The Master Algorithm, Pedro Domingos offers a masterfully simple definition: “An algorithm is,” Domingos writes, “a sequence of instructions telling a computer what to do.” As Domingos goes on to explain, algorithms are reducible to three logical operations: AND, OR, and NOT. While these operations can chain together in extraordinarily complex ways, at core algorithms are built out of simple rational associations.
=====
What do we not want algorithms to do for us?
So far the debate over the use of algorithms has only hinted at what, for lack of a better term, might be called the creepiness factor. Robotics has the Uncanny Valley. Bioethicists argue about the “wisdom of repugnance,” a feeling of disgust some people experience when contemplating procedures such as genetic engineering. But when it comes to algorithms, we still focus largely on their effectiveness rather than the possibility that they might create something deeply unpleasant.
The unease triggered by stories such as Castlight’s pregnancy prediction is telling us something—not that we should abandon algorithms altogether but that we should think more clearly about the balance we want to strike between total transparency and the secrets we want to keep to ourselves. We need a way of assessing algorithms apart from their technical prowess, a meaningful way to think through the likely uses and abuses of algorithms. We need to ask a heretical question, at least by Silicon Valley standards: Is there such a thing as knowing too much?
===
Having worked for years with Electronics and computer controls, I have an excellent understanding of the " Electronic Logic " use of the AND, OR and NOR functions.
These are the basic units which are used to govern the electronic controls in all circuits; from simple to the very complicated large applications.
The big question is how and why certain people want to use the Algorithm or electronic control " Logic" to control the world - Through the use of A.I. {Artificial Intelligence}! It is some what like letting the dog walk the human.
If you take time to look at what and how algorithms are being used in the world today - You will find that there has been much smoke and mirrors or plane fluff; because are some serious complications. While many circuits have been used to control certain; limited tasks or simple assignments. Yet even with the great applications to date - many simple functions such as simulations of the human hand movements tend do not function well in the A.I. arena.
Much of this is because the real world is analog which is instant continuous movements and even sweeping spitiraling motions. While the electric Logic circuits are Digital or step by step manipulations. An easy comparison would be to look at how one has to play chess or checkers on the Grid playing board - vs any other place you can just sweep or move directly from one place to another on the same playing surface, without any grid restrictions or limits.
{This is only considering a single plane surface of operation!}
** Will continue this study in a later blog - stop back!
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