'Mathematical Theory of Programming Languages'

Title

'Mathematical Theory of Programming Languages'

Shelfmark

MS. Eng. misc. b. 295/G.15

Summary

Seminar given at M.I.T., autumn 1965.

Contains:

Typescript synopses of the seminar with manuscript additions by Strachey and a list of topics for a term paper.

Manuscript notes (1 page) for introduction to the seminar. This is a very interesting exposition of Strachey's approach to teaching: 'Not a carefully prepared logical sequence of arguments leading irresistibly to a splendid conclusion. But a series of guerilla forays into a jungle of incomprehension in the course of which we shall retrace our steps, change our minds, run up against blank walls, but, I hope finally emerge with some inkling of the lay of the land and a smattering of the techniques of jungle warfare'.

Extensive manuscript notes, calculations and diagrams prepared by Strachey for the seminar. These have been left in their original ordering and groupings.

In his letters to Leslie Fox (MS. Eng. misc. b. 254/B.4), Strachey describes the seminars ('I was somewhat disconcerted to find that there are nearly thirty people who want to come') and comments on their value as a catalyst (' ... partly as a result of having to prepare for them and partly as a result of the actual discussions in the seminars, I have managed to clear up my ideas on a number of points and am now even more convinced than before that we have a new branch of mathematics to deal with').

Date

1965

Language

English

Physical extent

1 file