Written with graduate and advanced undergraduate students in mind, this textbook introduces computational logic from the foundations of first-order logic to state-of-the-art decision procedures for arithmetic, data structures, and combination theories. The textbook also presents a logical approach to engineering correct software. Verification exercises are given to develop the reader's facility in specifying and verifying software using logic. The treatment of verification concludes with an introduction to the static analysis of software, an important component of modern verification systems. The final chapter outlines courses of further study.
With the objective of making into a science the art of verifying computer programs (debugging), the author addresses both practical and theoretical aspects of the process. A classic of sequential program verification, this volume has been translated into almost a dozen other languages and is much in demand among graduate and advanced undergraduate computer science students. Subjects include computability (with discussions of finite automata and Turing machines); predicate calculus (basic notions, natural deduction, and the resolution method); verification of programs (both flowchart and algol-like programs); flowchart schemas (basic notions, decision problems, formalization in predicate calculus, and translation programs); and the fixpoint theory of programs (functions and functionals, recursive programs, and verification programs). The treamtent is self-contained, and each chapter concludes with bibliographic remarks, references, and problems.
From the winner of the Turing Award and the Abel Prize, an introduction to computational complexity theory, its connections and interactions with mathematics, and its central role in the natural and social sciences, technology, and philosophy Mathematics and Computation provides a broad, conceptual overview of computational complexity theory—the mathematical study of efficient computation. With important practical applications to computer science and industry, computational complexity theory has evolved into a highly interdisciplinary field, with strong links to most mathematical areas and to a growing number of scientific endeavors. Avi Wigderson takes a sweeping survey of complexity theory, emphasizing the field’s insights and challenges. He explains the ideas and motivations leading to key models, notions, and results. In particular, he looks at algorithms and complexity, computations and proofs, randomness and interaction, quantum and arithmetic computation, and cryptography and learning, all as parts of a cohesive whole with numerous cross-influences. Wigderson illustrates the immense breadth of the field, its beauty and richness, and its diverse and growing interactions with other areas of mathematics. He ends with a comprehensive look at the theory of computation, its methodology and aspirations, and the unique and fundamental ways in which it has shaped and will further shape science, technology, and society. For further reading, an extensive bibliography is provided for all topics covered. Mathematics and Computation is useful for undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics, computer science, and related fields, as well as researchers and teachers in these fields. Many parts require little background, and serve as an invitation to newcomers seeking an introduction to the theory of computation. Comprehensive coverage of computational complexity theory, and beyond High-level, intuitive exposition, which brings conceptual clarity to this central and dynamic scientific discipline Historical accounts of the evolution and motivations of central concepts and models A broad view of the theory of computation's influence on science, technology, and society Extensive bibliography
Finally, you can learn computation theory and programming language design in an engaging, practical way. Understanding Computation explains theoretical computer science in a context you’ll recognize, helping you appreciate why these ideas matter and how they can inform your day-to-day programming. Rather than use mathematical notation or an unfamiliar academic programming language like Haskell or Lisp, this book uses Ruby in a reductionist manner to present formal semantics, automata theory, and functional programming with the lambda calculus. It’s ideal for programmers versed in modern languages, with little or no formal training in computer science. Understand fundamental computing concepts, such as Turing completeness in languages Discover how programs use dynamic semantics to communicate ideas to machines Explore what a computer can do when reduced to its bare essentials Learn how universal Turing machines led to today’s general-purpose computers Perform complex calculations, using simple languages and cellular automata Determine which programming language features are essential for computation Examine how halting and self-referencing make some computing problems unsolvable Analyze programs by using abstract interpretation and type systems
This textbook aims to help the reader develop an in-depth understanding of logical reasoning and gain knowledge of the theory of computation. The book combines theoretical teaching and practical exercises; the latter is realised in Isabelle/HOL, a modern theorem prover, and PAT, an industry-scale model checker. I also give entry-level tutorials on the two software to help the reader get started. By the end of the book, the reader should be proficient in both software. Content-wise, this book focuses on the syntax, semantics and proof theory of various logics; automata theory, formal languages, computability and complexity. The final chapter closes the gap with a discussion on the insight that links logic with computation. This book is written for a high-level undergraduate course or a Master's course. The hybrid skill set of practical theorem proving and model checking should be helpful for the future of readers should they pursue a research career or engineering in formal methods.
Artificial and Mathematical Theory of Computation is a collection of papers that discusses the technical, historical, and philosophical problems related to artificial intelligence and the mathematical theory of computation. Papers cover the logical approach to artificial intelligence; knowledge representation and common sense reasoning; automated deduction; logic programming; nonmonotonic reasoning and circumscription. One paper suggests that the design of parallel programming languages will invariably become more sophisticated as human skill in programming and software developments improves to attain faster running programs. An example of metaprogramming to systems concerns the design and control of operations of factory devices, such as robots and numerically controlled machine tools. Metaprogramming involves two design aspects: that of the activity of a single device and that of the interaction with other devices. One paper cites the application of artificial intelligence pertaining to the project "proof checker for first-order logic" at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Another paper explains why the bisection algorithm widely used in computer science does not work. This book can prove valuable to engineers and researchers of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering, as well as, for computer programmers and designers of industrial processes.
Financial mathematics and its calculus introduced in an accessible manner for undergraduate students. Topics covered include financial indices as stochastic processes, Ito's stochastic calculus, the Fokker-Planck Equation and extra MATLAB/SCILAB code.
This must-read text presents the pioneering work of the late Professor Jacob (Jack) T. Schwartz on computational logic and set theory and its application to proof verification techniques, culminating in the ÆtnaNova system, a prototype computer program designed to verify the correctness of mathematical proofs presented in the language of set theory. Topics and features: describes in depth how a specific first-order theory can be exploited to model and carry out reasoning in branches of computer science and mathematics; presents an unique system for automated proof verification in large-scale software systems; integrates important proof-engineering issues, reflecting the goals of large-scale verifiers; includes an appendix showing formalized proofs of ordinals, of various properties of the transitive closure operation, of finite and transfinite induction principles, and of Zorn’s lemma.
Foundations of Computation is a free textbook for a one-semester course in theoretical computer science. It has been used for several years in a course at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. The course has no prerequisites other than introductory computer programming. The first half of the course covers material on logic, sets, and functions that would often be taught in a course in discrete mathematics. The second part covers material on automata, formal languages and grammar that would ordinarily be encountered in an upper level course in theoretical computer science.
Computation, itself a form of calculation, incorporates steps that include arithmetical and non-arithmetical (logical) steps following a specific set of rules (an algorithm). This uniquely accessible textbook introduces students using a very distinctive approach, quite rapidly leading them into essential topics with sufficient depth, yet in a highly intuitive manner. From core elements like sets, types, Venn diagrams and logic, to patterns of reasoning, calculus, recursion and expression trees, the book spans the breadth of key concepts and methods that will enable students to readily progress with their studies in Computer Science.
