35 research outputs found
Lisp, Jazz, Aikido -- Three Expressions of a Single Essence
The relation between Science (what we can explain) and Art (what we can't)
has long been acknowledged and while every science contains an artistic part,
every art form also needs a bit of science. Among all scientific disciplines,
programming holds a special place for two reasons. First, the artistic part is
not only undeniable but also essential. Second, and much like in a purely
artistic discipline, the act of programming is driven partly by the notion of
aesthetics: the pleasure we have in creating beautiful things. Even though the
importance of aesthetics in the act of programming is now unquestioned, more
could still be written on the subject. The field called "psychology of
programming" focuses on the cognitive aspects of the activity, with the goal of
improving the productivity of programmers. While many scientists have
emphasized their concern for aesthetics and the impact it has on their
activity, few computer scientists have actually written about their thought
process while programming. What makes us like or dislike such and such language
or paradigm? Why do we shape our programs the way we do? By answering these
questions from the angle of aesthetics, we may be able to shed some new light
on the art of programming. Starting from the assumption that aesthetics is an
inherently transversal dimension, it should be possible for every programmer to
find the same aesthetic driving force in every creative activity they
undertake, not just programming, and in doing so, get deeper insight on why and
how they do things the way they do. On the other hand, because our aesthetic
sensitivities are so personal, all we can really do is relate our own
experiences and share it with others, in the hope that it will inspire them to
do the same. My personal life has been revolving around three major creative
activities, of equal importance: programming in Lisp, playing Jazz music, and
practicing Aikido. But why so many of them, why so different ones, and why
these specifically? By introspecting my personal aesthetic sensitivities, I
eventually realized that my tastes in the scientific, artistic, and physical
domains are all motivated by the same driving forces, hence unifying Lisp,
Jazz, and Aikido as three expressions of a single essence, not so different
after all. Lisp, Jazz, and Aikido are governed by a limited set of rules which
remain simple and unobtrusive. Conforming to them is a pleasure. Because Lisp,
Jazz, and Aikido are inherently introspective disciplines, they also invite you
to transgress the rules in order to find your own. Breaking the rules is fun.
Finally, if Lisp, Jazz, and Aikido unify so many paradigms, styles, or
techniques, it is not by mere accumulation but because they live at the
meta-level and let you reinvent them. Working at the meta-level is an
enlightening experience. Understand your aesthetic sensitivities and you may
gain considerable insight on your own psychology of programming. Mine is
perhaps common to most lispers. Perhaps also common to other programming
communities, but that, is for the reader to decide..
2008-2009, University of Memphis bulletin
University of Memphis bulletin containing the undergraduate catalog for 2008-2009.https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-ua-pub-bulletins/1449/thumbnail.jp
2011-2012, University of Memphis bulletin
University of Memphis bulletin containing the undergraduate catalog for 2011-2012.https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-ua-pub-bulletins/1452/thumbnail.jp
2009-2010, University of Memphis bulletin
University of Memphis bulletin containing the undergraduate catalog for 2009-2010.https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-ua-pub-bulletins/1450/thumbnail.jp
2010-2011, University of Memphis bulletin
University of Memphis bulletin containing the undergraduate catalog for 2010-2011.https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-ua-pub-bulletins/1451/thumbnail.jp
2012-2013, University of Memphis bulletin
University of Memphis bulletin containing the undergraduate catalog for 2012-2013.https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-ua-pub-bulletins/1453/thumbnail.jp
2013-2014, University of Memphis bulletin
University of Memphis bulletin containing the undergraduate catalog for 2013-2014.https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/speccoll-ua-pub-bulletins/1454/thumbnail.jp
Reports to the President
A compilation of annual reports for the 1982-1983 academic year, including a report from the President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as reports from the academic and administrative units of the Institute. The reports outline the year's goals, accomplishments, honors and awards, and future plans