Raymond Turner
I have one main area of research And two hobbies ·
Philosophy of Computer
Science No doubt the latter pair will become more central as I get older. 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 following selected papers and books are some of my
favourites[i] 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
·
Counterfactuals without Possible Worlds. Journal
of Philosophical Logic ·
Logics
for Artificial Intelligence Formal Ontology
·
A Theory of Properties Journal Symbolic Logic ·
Logics of Truth. Notre Journal Formal Logic ·
Truth and Modality for Knowledge Representation (MIT Press) Formal Semantics
·
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 APA I take the philosophy of computer science to underpin and guide more formal work in the logical and mathematical foundations of computer science. Such work is aimed at understanding computational systems rather than in their direct application. The Philosophy of MathematicsI have three current interests. · Theories of Abstraction in Mathematics and Computer Science · Wittgenstein’s Philosophy of Mathematics |
[i]
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