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| Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, June 11 2012 @ 11:38 AM EDT |
Maybe we disagree on what an algorithm actually is.
At it's most basic, it's a word. It has a definition => a sequence of
instructions. How each field may utilize it can be very different depending on
the objectives in the determined field. <= that's my point.
Mathematics never processes anything. It's a way to model nature whether real
or abstract. Algorithms in mathematics have to do with definition of such
models.
Conflation (I like the word BTW) of representations with symbols is a cultural
issue. I am not sure I understand the distinction you intended make. To me the
only declension between the two is how widespread their use may be. Take the
symbol for PI, it is a symbol because of it's widespread use. We society never
bothered to assign a distinct symbol for the for the more distinct
representation of e (2.718281828) e therefor is ambiguous outside of it's
context of use where PI is not. But that doesn't alter the fact that both e and
PI are representations of distinct values in mathematics.
I agree that software patent practitioners do not make any distinction between
the two. But if you consider how the way such individuals use words, even to
devoid them of their common definitions where it suits them, I'm not sure their
conflation of symbol and representation is even something to blink over. The
art of lawyering is word swords-play; it's better to pick at bones with more
meat on them.[ Reply to This | Parent | # ]
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