Review by Choice Review
Algorithms to Live By offers an intriguing, valuable approach to the examination of how computer-created algorithms assist with solving a number of important human decision-making problems. The work attempts to demonstrate how understanding these algorithms has wider relevance--one can apply algorithmic solutions to the human decision-making process. Overall, the book succeeds in this endeavor by illustrating and offering examples of how computer algorithms can be applied in typical situations arising in daily human life. This book will serve as an excellent supplementary reading text for computer and cognitive science students and can assist with the development of a strong understanding of the broader applications of computer algorithms. This text will also suit many courses for liberal arts students--non-mathematical explanations of the algorithms will give students insight regarding the notion that computer algorithms can play an extremely relevant role within the human decision-making process. General readers will also find many elements within this book thought provoking. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --R. Bharath, Northern Michigan University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by New York Times Review
To computer scientists, "algorithm" means a wellordered set of steps to achieve a particular goal. An everyday example might be the algorithm to tie your shoelaces: Hold one lace tightly, make a loop with the other. Do you have a computer file that is a long, unordered list that must be sorted? A need to handle a lot of records that don't fit into the memory, or run a lot of programs simultaneously? There's an algorithm (or two or three or more) for that. In this nuanced introduction, Christian and Griffiths do a fine job of explaining basic sorting and optimization algorithms used in computer science - along with their weaknesses. The book delves deeper when it claims to show how these tools can solve everyday problems, from the trivial to the profound. I found the examples fascinating, but the computer science algorithms felt more easay applicable to simpler problems (how to seat everyone at a wedding to maximize pleasant company) rather than the more complex questions (how to decide whom to marry). As software only becomes ever more sophisticated and powerful - deciding who might get hired or fired, given a loan or denied, convicted or paroled - perhaps the most important function of this entertaining and educational book is in revealing the limiting assumptions, narrow boundaries and tight restrictions of algorithms, and how different they can be from the messy world of humans.
Copyright (c) The New York Times Company [August 11, 2016]
Review by Library Journal Review
Christian (The Most Human Human), who holds degrees in philosophy, computer science, and poetry, and Griffiths (psychology and cognitive science, Univ. of California-Berkeley) present an interdisciplinary analysis of how computer mathematical algorithms can help with solving common human decision-making challenges. The authors discuss insights from their research into algorithm design revealing that algorithms are not confined to mathematics. Among the tools applied to human behavior are the optimal stop -theory, which helps with making a decision whether to look or to leap; the explore/exploit trade-off, which helps decide when to try new things or stick with old favorites; sorting theory, which aids decisions of how and whether to rearrange physical spaces; and scheduling theory, using time efficiently. The result is a better understanding of how computer algorithms can be useful in people's daily lives. Coauthor Christian's moderately paced, TED Talk-style narration focuses listeners' attention throughout this fascinating exploration. VERDICT Recommended for larger public libraries and all university libraries supporting computer science and psychology curricula.-Dale Farris, Groves, TX © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
We are always connected: this is both our blessing and our curse. The problem "is that we're always buffered," just a step behind the flood of information flowing toward and past us, all the books and movies and other ingredients of what the authors call "bufferbloat." What we need is a good strategy and filter, a greater cybernetic component in the way we think. Therewith the value of this book, seemingly loosely organized but in fact craftily programmed to build from one good idea to the next. The value of being aware of algorithmic thinkingof the thornier details of "human algorithm design," as Christian (The Most Human Human: What Artificial Intelligence Teaches Us About Being Alive, 2011) and Griffiths (Psychology and Cognitive Science/Univ. of California) put itis not just better problem solving, but also greater insight into the human mind. And who doesn't want to know how we tick? The authors lead us into the labyrinth with lessons on such matters as improved search and sortsorting being "key to the human experience of information," and thus a good thing to ponder, whether on how to organize your T-shirt drawer or your dissertation. The procrastinators and untidy among us will rejoice in knowing that sometimes a mess is not just OK, but even "the optimal choice," as long as your search mechanism is good enough. Elsewhere, Christian and Griffiths apply Bayes-ian principles to gambling; if the reader does not emerge from the casino a winner, at least he or she may lose a little less. Most of the examples in this dense but lucid account are emphatically of the real world, but some are more meaningful than others: most people will find it better to know when to fold 'em, for instance, than to understand why Katy Perry can never possibly reply to all her fan mail. An entertaining, intelligently presented book for the numerate and computer literate. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
