Raymond Turner
I have several areas of research. The first is currently my central one. ·
Philosophy of Computer
Science No doubt the last three will become more central as I get older. The
following selected papers and books are some of my favourites[i] Logic
and Computation
I
take the central task of Theoretical Computing Science to be the construction
of mathematical models of computational phenomena. Such models provide us
with a deeper understanding of the nature of computation and representation.
For example, the early work on computability theory provided a mathematical
model of computation itself. Turing's work is of fundamental importance here.
Adapting Gödel’s diagonalisation argument, he demonstrated that there are
problems that do not admit of an algorithmic solution. He thus provided a
mathematical model of computation that displayed its limitations. Later work
on the semantics of programming languages enabled a precise articulation of
the underlying differences between programming languages and led to a clearer
understanding of the distinction between semantic representation and
implementation. Early work in complexity theory supplied us with abstract
notions which formally articulated informal ideas about the resources used
during computation. I take this model building endeavour to be the central
and fundamental role of theoretical computer science. It involves the
construction of models from the Meccano-Kit
supplied by logic, algebra, topology and set theory and, indeed, any branch
of mathematics that proves useful. Such models provide the means of exploring
the properties and limitations of computational concepts and systems that
would otherwise be unavailable. In
particular, mathematical and philosophical logic have supplied a rich source
of such models. Conversely, computer science has inspired the development of
new areas of logic. Linear logic and dynamic logic are two well known
examples. It is in this interplay between logic and computation where much of
my research resides. The Logical Foundations
of Specification
·
The
Foundations of Specification: Journal Logic and Computation ·
Computability
in Specification: Journal Logic and Computation Computable Models
·
Computable
Models: Journal Logic and Computation ·
Computable Models (Springer)
Types and Type Inference
·
Type
Inference for Set theory: Journal of Theoretical Computer Science ·
Sets, Types and Type Checking:
Journal Logic and Computation ·
Types
Handbook of Logic and Language ·
Semantics
and Stratification Journal Logic and Computation Axiomatic
Foundations for Functional Languages
·
Weak Theories of Operations
and Types: Journal Logic and Computation ·
Lazy Theories of Operations
and Types: Journal Logic and Computation ·
Constructive
Foundations of Functional Languages (Book)
·
Reading Between the Lines
in Constructive Type Theory: Journal Logic and Computation Logic and
Artificial Intelligence
·
Truth and Modality for Knowledge Representation (MIT Press)
·
Logics
for Artificial Intelligence
Philosophical Logic
Here
I have two main areas of interest. Non Standard
Logic
·
Counterfactuals
without Possible Worlds. Journal of Philosophical Logic ·
Logics of Truth. Notre Journal Formal
Logic Formal Ontology
·
A Theory of Properties Journal Symbolic Logic ·
Semantics and Property Theory Linguistics and Philosophy ·
Properties, Relations and Propositions ·
Properties, Types and Meaning Vol 1,2.
Springer
The Philosophy of Computer Science
· Understanding Programming Languages Minds and Machines · The Philosophy of Computer Science Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy · The Meaning of Programming Languages · Three Lectures on the Philosophy of Computer Science ·
Programming
Languages as Mathematical Theories The Philosophy of MathematicsI have two current interests. · Theories of Abstraction in Mathematics and Computer Science · Wittgenstein’s Philosophy of Mathematics. France |
