Computability Theory
An Introduction to Recursion Theory
Published on 30. December 2010
Book
Hardback
192 pages
978-0-12-384958-8 (ISBN)
Description
Computability Theory: An Introduction to Recursion Theory provides a concise, comprehensive, and authoritative introduction to contemporary computability theory, techniques, and results. The basic concepts and techniques of computability theory are placed in their historical, philosophical and logical context. This presentation is characterized by an unusual breadth of coverage and the inclusion of advanced topics not to be found elsewhere in the literature at this level. The text includes both the standard material for a first course in computability and more advanced looks at degree structures, forcing, priority methods, and determinacy. The final chapter explores a variety of computability applications to mathematics and science. Computability Theory is an invaluable text, reference, and guide to the direction of current research in the field. Nowhere else will you find the techniques and results of this beautiful and basic subject brought alive in such an approachable way.
Reviews / Votes
"...would benefit its target audience, especially now that a lot of mathematics courses eschew proofs...As with Enderton's well-known text in mathematical logic,...this is a thoughtfully written account of the basic facts, and I for one will likely use it in the future." --Mathematical Reviews, Computability Theory"This textbook on basic computability theory is at the upper-undergraduate level." --Zentralblatt MATH, 2012
"Enderton (U. of California, Los Angeles) has written a clear, focused, and surprisingly literate textbook - it is a rare mathematician who is this adept with words - describing the history and theory of recursion theory that will be ideal for one-semester advanced courses in mathematics and computer science. After the concepts and theories are introduced, the equivalence of computable partial function and recursive partial function are demonstrated, in part through proofs of the unsolvability of the halting problem and of the enumeration theorem. Other chapters describe the properties of recursively enumerable sets, the link between computability theory and Goedel's incompleteness theorem, relative computability and degrees of unsolvability, and polynomial time computability. Appendices are included on Mathspeak, countability, and decadic notation." --SciTechBookNews
"Computability is concerned with the question of what computers can do in principle. Since Enderton directly contributed to the very areas that this book covers (computability and computational complexity), he is able to provide a concise and comprehensive firsthand view on the subject. As a scholar in the field, as well as in the history of logic, he frequently includes historical passages when presenting new concepts in the book.... This is a beautifully written and beautifully printed book.... The book fits perfectly as a textbook, covering standard material for one- or two-semester courses in computability or recursion theory. It is also an excellent study guide and reference for students and researchers in related areas. It is a lovely, short book that contains great ideas." --Computing Reviews
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
San Diego
United States
Publishing group
Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc
Target group
College/higher education
Upper-level mathematics and computer science students.
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Paper over boards
Dimensions
Height: 238 mm
Width: 159 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
450 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-12-384958-8 (9780123849588)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
10/2018
Academic Press
€60.65
The article will not be published
E-Book
12/2010
Academic Press
€45.99
Available for download
Person
Content
1. The Computability Concept;2. General Recursive Functions;3. Programs and Machines;4. Recursive Enumerability;5. Connections to Logic;6. Degrees of Unsolvability;7. Polynomial-Time Computability;Appendix: Mathspeak;Appendix: Countability;Appendix: Decadic Notation;