Algorithms and execution traces
Abstract/Contents
- Abstract
- Part I surveys the current literature around defining algorithms. I consider two prominent approaches: the traditional approach (arising from computability theory) and the abstract approach (generalising the traditional approach). I argue that both approaches have shortcomings stemming from attempting reconcile algorithms understood as "effective procedures" with algorithms understood as "distinct methods" for solving problems. I conclude that current attempts to analyse algorithms pay too much heed to the first of these perspectives and propose giving an account of algorithms which fully embraces the second. Part II develops such an account, introducing the framework within which the remainder of the dissertation is developed. I analyse algorithms in terms of their execution trace setsm avoiding any commitment to a particular model of computation. Part II applies the framework to issues around algorithmic identity, level relativity, finiteness and determinism. Part III takes a formal turn, developing the framework from Part II with mathematical rigour. I define algorithmic trace sets, consider abstract implementation, and reconcile the trace set account with the effective procedures perspective by reconstructing computability theory.
Description
| Type of resource | text |
|---|---|
| Form | electronic resource; remote; computer; online resource |
| Extent | 1 online resource. |
| Place | California |
| Place | [Stanford, California] |
| Publisher | [Stanford University] |
| Copyright date | 2023; ©2023 |
| Publication date | 2023; 2023 |
| Issuance | monographic |
| Language | English |
Creators/Contributors
| Author | Thompson, Declan Alexander Liddington |
|---|---|
| Degree supervisor | Icard, Thomas |
| Thesis advisor | Icard, Thomas |
| Thesis advisor | Etchemendy, John, 1952- |
| Thesis advisor | Wootters, Mary |
| Thesis advisor | Benthem, Johan van, 1949- |
| Degree committee member | Etchemendy, John, 1952- |
| Degree committee member | Wootters, Mary |
| Degree committee member | Benthem, Johan van, 1949- |
| Associated with | Stanford University, School of Humanities and Sciences |
| Associated with | Stanford University, Department of Philosophy |
Subjects
| Genre | Theses |
|---|---|
| Genre | Text |
Bibliographic information
| Statement of responsibility | Declan Thompson. |
|---|---|
| Note | Submitted to the Department of Philosophy. |
| Thesis | Thesis Ph.D. Stanford University 2023. |
| Location | https://purl.stanford.edu/gs295fg3604 |
Access conditions
- Copyright
- © 2023 by Declan Alexander Liddington Thompson
- License
- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 3.0 Unported license (CC BY-NC).
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