Mechanizing Proof: Computing, Risk, and Trust

Awards:   Winner of <PrizeName>Winner of the 2003 Robert K. Merton Book Award presented by the Science, Knowledge, and Technology section of the American Sociological Association.</PrizeName> 2003 Winner of American Sociological Association Science, Knowledge & Technology Section Robert K. Merton Award 2003. Winner of Winner of the 2003 Robert K. Merton Book Award presented by the Science, Knowledge, and Technology section of the American Sociological Association. 2003
Author:   Donald Mackenzie (University of Edinburgh) ,  Wiebe E. Bijker (Professor of Technology and Society, Maastricht University) ,  W. Bernard Carlson (Professor of Science, Technology, and Society, University of Virginia) ,  Trevor Pinch (Professor of Science and Technology Studies and Professor of Sociology, Cornell University)
Publisher:   MIT Press Ltd
Edition:   New edition
ISBN:  

9780262632959


Pages:   440
Publication Date:   30 January 2004
Recommended Age:   From 18 years
Format:   Paperback
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Our Price $79.99 Quantity:  
Add to Cart

Share |

Mechanizing Proof: Computing, Risk, and Trust


Add your own review!

Awards

  • Winner of <PrizeName>Winner of the 2003 Robert K. Merton Book Award presented by the Science, Knowledge, and Technology section of the American Sociological Association.</PrizeName> 2003
  • Winner of American Sociological Association Science, Knowledge & Technology Section Robert K. Merton Award 2003.
  • Winner of Winner of the 2003 Robert K. Merton Book Award presented by the Science, Knowledge, and Technology section of the American Sociological Association. 2003

Overview

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.

Full Product Details

Author:   Donald Mackenzie (University of Edinburgh) ,  Wiebe E. Bijker (Professor of Technology and Society, Maastricht University) ,  W. Bernard Carlson (Professor of Science, Technology, and Society, University of Virginia) ,  Trevor Pinch (Professor of Science and Technology Studies and Professor of Sociology, Cornell University)
Publisher:   MIT Press Ltd
Imprint:   MIT Press
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.635kg
ISBN:  

9780262632959


ISBN 10:   0262632950
Pages:   440
Publication Date:   30 January 2004
Recommended Age:   From 18 years
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Reviews

"""A most readable account of how program verification came to promise so much and deliver so little."" - Richard Clayton, The Times Higher Education Supplement"""


A most readable account of how program verification came to promise so much and deliver so little. - Richard Clayton, The Times Higher Education Supplement


Author Information

Donald MacKenzie is Professor of Sociology (Personal Chair) at the University of Edinburgh. His books include Inventing Accuracy (1990), Knowing Machines (1996), and Mechanizing Proof (2001), all published by the MIT Press. Portions of An Engine, not a Camera won the Viviana A. Zelizer Prize in economic sociology from the American Sociological Association.

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

No review item found!

Add your own review!

Countries Available

All regions
Latest Reading Guide

Aorrng

Shopping Cart
Your cart is empty
Shopping cart
Mailing List