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Probably Approximately Correct: Nature's Algorithms For Learning And Prospering In A Complex World (2013)

by Leslie Valiant(Favorite Author)

3.55 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0465032710 (ISBN13: 9780465032716)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Basic Books

review 1: I was surprised to see a non-technical book on such a rather arcane and technical subject (though with rich implications in many areas).The book gives a decent low-tech introduction to PAC learning, but if I have to make one complaint Leslie Valiant is not really an engaging writer (or a writer not interested in being engaging) - his examples and approach is extremely dry (you know drawing balls from urns etc.)He even manages to introduce the perceptron in the most boring manner. I'd say it is a science writer dream - "look a simple algo inspired by the neurons in your very brain, how exciting!" etc. - but no, he gives a vague top level unexciting description and goes to linearly separable problems... oh well a chance missed :) It is not that he refuses to talk down to the... more reader (because the book is really low on technicality), it just like he is not that keen on talking to you all that much. Who knows how this book deal came to be... In any case I give 4 stars because the topic is so interesting and fertile. More technical readers might be better served by a shorter review paper though.
review 2: There is no greater satisfaction for me to read a book that so nicely bridges corner stone of computer science which is computational complexity, learning systems, human cognition and evolution. Putting forward ideas that are indeed fascinating and enlightening and relieving us from great burden caused by being lost in this world with so many mysteries. For me, I hope, most of these ideas present itself ultimately as a mode of life in which one is more informed and humble but at same time focused and eager to move forward. less

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