Questions About Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions

by Brian Christian (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (4)

I'm trying to decide if it would be worth while or a waste of time to listen to the audiobook... can someone comment on how dependent enjoyment of the book is on graphs, tables and other graphics?

Stephen Hendrickson classic catch-22. you need to listen to the book to develop the skills needed to determine whether or not to listen to the book. (so far, i really enj…moreclassic catch-22. you need to listen to the book to develop the skills needed to determine whether or not to listen to the book. (so far, i really enjoy it but i'm not 37% of the way through.)(less)

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can anyone recommend other books similar to "Algorithms to Live By" ?

Weltengeist If I was you, I would look for books that come under the heading of "Computational Thinking". Of course, it depends a bit on what you liked about the …moreIf I was you, I would look for books that come under the heading of "Computational Thinking". Of course, it depends a bit on what you liked about the book, but examples might include:
- Martin Erwig: Once Upon an Algorithm (if you're more into examples on how to apply algorithms in everyday life)
- Paul Curzon, Peter W. McOwan: The Power Of Computational Thinking (works mostly with examples, puzzles and games)
- Karl Beecher: Computational Thinking (somewhat more technical)
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Is the book anything more than a walk through of applications of the multi-armed bandit problem?

Zac Stojcevski The Multi-amed bandit problem is essentially only one chapter of this book. It goes in waves of "yeah, yeah, I know that" to..."wow, I either forgot t…moreThe Multi-amed bandit problem is essentially only one chapter of this book. It goes in waves of "yeah, yeah, I know that" to..."wow, I either forgot that or never knew that" - worth reading. Perhaps try one of the middl chapters first to see if it's your cup of tead.(less)

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Would someone with no computer science background understand and/or get value out of this book?

Tsung-Han Yu Yes, if you take some time to think while reading. Don't just read through it.…moreYes, if you take some time to think while reading. Don't just read through it.(less)

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