Philosophy of Computer Science: An Introduction to the Issues and the Literature
by: William J. Rapaport (Author)
Publisher finelybook 出版社: Wiley-Blackwell; (February 1, 2023)
Language 语言: English
Print Length 页数: 528 pages
ISBN-10: 1119891906
ISBN-13: 9781119891901
Book Description
A unique resource exploring the nature of computers and computing, and their relationships to the world.
Philosophy of Computer Science is a university-level textbook designed to guide readers through an array of topics at the intersection of philosophy and computer science. Accessible to students from either discipline, or complete beginners to both, the text brings readers up to speed on a conversation about these issues, so that they can read the literature for themselves, form their own reasoned opinions, and become part of the conversation by contributing their own views.
Written by a highly qualified author in the field, the book looks at some of the central questions in the philosophy of computer science, including:
What is philosophy? (for readers who might be unfamiliar with it)
What is computer science and its relationship to science and to engineering?
What are computers, computing, algorithms, and programs?(Includes a line-by-line reading of portions of Turing’s classic 1936 paper that introduced Turing Machines, as well as discussion of the Church-Turing Computability Thesis and hypercomputation challenges to it)
How do computers and computation relate to the physical world?
What is artificial intelligence, and should we build AIs?
Should we trust decisions made by computers?
A companion website contains annotated suggestions for further reading and an instructor’s manual.
Philosophy of Computer Science is a must-have for philosophy students, computer scientists, and general readers who want to think philosophically about computer science.
From the Back Cover
Discover the philosophical issues at the heart of computer science
For computer science students, philosophy students, professionals in either field, and general readers interested in both, Philosophy of Computer Science offers a fascinating introduction to the central questions that philosophy asks about the field of computer science. First of all, what is computer science? What is a computer, and what is science, for that matter? These basic investigations lead into many other areas, dealing with, for example, Turing Machines, hypercomputation, artificial intelligence, and the ethics of computers and robots. This book gives readers the background to bring them up to speed about these issues and many more.
After reading this introduction, you will be able to engage with classic and current literature in the philosophy of computer science, forming your own reasoned opinions and, perhaps, contributing your own views. Uniquely, Philosophy of Computer Science weaves in content on how philosophers reason and evaluate logical arguments, and it provides suggested writing assignments designed to help focus your thinking about the fascinating issues covered. This text is a wonderful place to start examining what happens when we turn a philosophical eye to the science of computing.
About the Author
William J. Rapaport is CSE Eminent Professor Emeritus in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and an affiliated faculty member emeritus in the Departments of Philosophy and of Linguistics at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. He is a recipient of the Barwise Prize of the American Philosophical Association, the Covey Award of the International Association for Computing and Philosophy, and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
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