Lecture: The Computational Lens on the Sciences

Richard Manning Karp

Abstract:

The computational lens is a metaphor for a relationship that is emerging between the theory of computation and the physical, biological, engineering and social sciences. Viewing natural or engineered systems in therms of their computational requirements or capabilities provides new insights and ways of thinking. We discuss the influence of this view on quantum computing, statistical physics, biology, mathematics and economic and social processes supported by the Worldwide Web.

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