Original Image
click to view more

Mechanizing Proof: Computing, Risk, and Trust

by Mechanizing Proof: Computing, Risk, and Trust

$42.30

add to favourite
  • In Stock - Ship in 24 hours with Free Online tracking.
  • FREE DELIVERY by Thursday, May 29, 2025
  • 24/24 Online
  • Yes High Speed
  • Yes Protection
Tell-A-Friend
Last update:

Description

Most aspects of our private and social lives--our safety, the integrity of the financial system, the functioning of utilities and other services, and national security--now depend on computing. But how can we know that this computing is trustworthy? In Mechanizing Proof, Donald MacKenzie addresses this key issue by investigating the interrelations of computing, risk, and mathematical proof over the last half century from the perspectives of history and sociology. His discussion draws on the technical literature of computer science and artificial intelligence and on extensive interviews with participants.

MacKenzie argues that our culture now contains two ideals of proof: proof as traditionally conducted by human mathematicians, and formal, mechanized proof. He describes the systems constructed by those committed to the latter ideal and the many questions those systems raise about the nature of proof. He looks at the primary social influence on the development of automated proof--the need to predict the behavior of the computer systems upon which human life and security depend--and explores the involvement of powerful organizations such as the National Security Agency. He concludes that in mechanizing proof, and in pursuing dependable computer systems, we do not obviate the need for trust in our collective human judgment.

Last updated on

Product Details

  • The MIT Press Brand
  • Jan 30, 2004 Pub Date:
  • 0262632950 ISBN-10:
  • 9780262632959 ISBN-13:
  • English Language
  • 9 in * 1 in * 6 in Dimensions:
  • 1 lb Weight: