Re: Information

From: Wade T.Smith (wade_smith@harvard.edu)
Date: Tue May 01 2001 - 19:32:31 BST

  • Next message: Trupeljak Ozren: "Re: Information"

    Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id TAA17050 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Tue, 1 May 2001 19:37:00 +0100
    Subject: Re: Information
    Date: Tue, 1 May 2001 14:32:31 -0400
    x-sender: wsmith1@camail2.harvard.edu
    x-mailer: Claris Emailer 2.0v3, Claritas Est Veritas
    From: "Wade T.Smith" <wade_smith@harvard.edu>
    To: "memetics list" <memetics@mmu.ac.uk>
    Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
    Message-ID: <20010501183241.AAA24864@camailp.harvard.edu@[128.103.125.215]>
    Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk
    Precedence: bulk
    Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
    

    On 05/01/01 12:55, Robin Faichney said this-

    >Do you like or dislike "computer programs = patterns"?

    Well, I'm more than happy to sit and cogitate for awhile, since, I
    dislike that statement.

    Yes, a pattern could be discerned for some computer programs, (in that
    they all use the same GUI, or rely upon a similar keystroke), but,
    computer programs equaling patterns...? I still don't like it.
    Definitional problem, most likely.

    I don't like equal signs in anything but provable formulae.

    But, well, here's my dictionary- in none of these definitions could one
    insert the word 'algorithm' or 'computer program' in place of 'pattern',
    as far as I can see.

    pattern n.
    1.a. A model or an original used as an archetype. b. A person or thing
    considered worthy of imitation.
    2. A plan, diagram, or model to be followed in making things.
    3. A representative sample; a specimen.
    4.a. An artistic or decorative design. b. A design of natural or
    accidental origin.
    5. A consistent, characteristic form, style, or method, as: a. A
    composite of traits or features characteristic of an individual or a
    group. b. Form and style in an artistic work or body of artistic works.
    6.a. The configuration of gunshots upon a target that is used as an
    indication of skill in shooting. b. The distribution and spread, around a
    targeted region, of spent shrapnel, bomb fragments, or shot from a
    shotgun.
    7. Enough material to make a complete garment.
    8. A test pattern.
    9. The flight path of an aircraft about to land.

    - Wade

    ===============================================================
    This was distributed via the memetics list associated with the
    Journal of Memetics - Evolutionary Models of Information Transmission
    For information about the journal and the list (e.g. unsubscribing)
    see: http://www.cpm.mmu.ac.uk/jom-emit



    This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Tue May 01 2001 - 19:40:28 BST