[SystemSafety] Explainability of "Algorithms"

[Derek M Jones]

Nick,

Thanks for the OED definition.  I'm sure someone in the US will
post the 'competing' definition from the Miriam-Webster dictionary.

> "A procedure or set of rules used in calculation and problem-solving; 
> (in later use /spec./) a precisely defined set of mathematical or 
> logical operations for the performance of a particular task."*

This definition agrees with Wikipedia in that there is no
requirement on the outcome.

As for Peter's point about explainability.  There is explaining what
and there is explaining why.
Also, what level of detail is going to be required?
http://shape-of-code.coding-guidelines.com/2016/12/21/is-sorting-a-list-of-names-racial-discrimination/

> like the OED and Wikipedia have not yet caught up. It might therefore be

My experience of Wikipedia article edit discussions is that generality
is good.  Everybody has a view and provided wording covers their point
of view they are happy(ish) to go with it.


> useful to cite where the new definition has been used.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Nick
> 
> 
> On 28/06/2017 12:29, Derek M Jones wrote:
>> Peter,
>>
>>> The word "algorithm" has recently changed its meaning. It used to 
>>> mean a von-Neumann-type procedural
>>> method for attaining a specified goal, and the typical goals were 
>>> mathematically or otherwise
>>
>> I think you are living in your own personal bubble on this one.
>>
>> To quote that well known source of reliable information, Wikipedia:
>> "In mathematics and computer science, an algorithm 
>> (Listeni/ˈælɡərɪðəm/ AL-gə-ri-dhəm) is a self-contained sequence of 
>> actions to be performed."
>>
>> I have never had any expectation that the result of an algorithm
>> has any degree of accuracy or even produces a result connected to
>> anything.
>>
>> An algorithm is a sequence of action.  What is claimed to be the
>> result of those actions is marketing.
>>
> 
> 

-- 
Derek M. Jones           Software analysis
tel: +44 (0)1252 520667  blog:shape-of-code.coding-guidelines.com