What is the ultimate algorithm?
According to Pedro Domingos (author of The Master Algorithm: How the Quest for the Ultimate Learning Machine Will Remake Our World) the ultimate algorithm is one where machine learning can derive all knowledge from data. Domingos sees only the positive in a world where machine learning totally controls human life. I find this scary.
Ursula Nixon, Bodalla, NSW, Australia
• An algorithm is a mathematical multistep procedure that can transform input data representing a question into a solution. I spent a large part of my working life analysing town water supply pipe networks using computer algorithms that I had written myself, and the ultimate algorithm for me would be one that completely designs the cheapest network for given restraints, particularly the minimum water pressure at any node of the network at any time of day. I found that the number of variables and constraints were so enormous that no computer of the 1980s could handle such a problem, so I was reduced to trial-and-error methods. I suspect that this is still the case.
Ted Webber, Buderim, Queensland, Australia
• Birth.
Art Campbell, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• If at end then repeat until at end. No bang, just a whimper.
Margaret Wyeth, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
How we see ourselves
Why do women paint their faces? Why do men generally not?
Women generally want to appear more attractive. Men generally don’t because they want to appear more manly. The former pays a hefty price for cosmetics, the latter can just forego buying razors.
Richard Orlando, Westmount, Quebec, Canada
• Both parties do so to emphasise the obvious.
Philip Stigger, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
• In some societies, on some occasions, men paint up as much, if not more than women.
Lawrie Bradly, Surrey Hills, Victoria, Australia
• Not so. Vincent van Gogh painted his at least once, and Rembrandt van Rijn painted his many times.
John Ralston, Mountain View, California, US
• Women’s reasons for using makeup include thinking it makes them more attractive, doing it for fun, hoping they’ll look younger and giving in to advertising. In general men don’t bother with makeup. They are on the same wavelength as wise and confident women who never use the stuff and can see it is unnecessary as well as of dubious value to the skin. I gave up wasting time and money on makeup in my twenties and only use it if going on stage under lights that drain colour.
Ursula Nixon, Bodalla, NSW, Australia
The eyes have it
Where can one find blind justice?
In ancient Locris someone would only propose a law with his head in a noose. If the law was not accepted, it was drawn tight. Few new laws were passed. However, a one-eyed man, fearing attack from his enemy, proposed that in the case of a one-eyed man losing his eye from a man with two eyes, the two-eyed man should lose both eyes. Blind justice indeed!
Josh Beer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• At the Old Brailley.
Jim Robinson, Bologna, Italy
• In a bat colony court.
Ken Whittaker, Stonehaven, UK
The riddle of reason
Is there a reason for everything?
No. Otherwise there would not be phrases like: It goes without reason.
Jennifer Clayton-Chen, Munich, Germany
• For every thing under the sun,
There’s a reason, or there’s none.
If there is, try to find it;
If there isn’t, never mind it.
(Anon)
Graem Castell, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Any answers?
The word “hero” has become meaningless through overuse and misapplication. Is there a term we could use in its place?
Terence Rowell, Dartmouth, Novia Scotia, Canada
Is there a limit?
E Slack, L’Isle Jourdain, France
Send answers to weekly.nandq@theguardian.com or Guardian Weekly, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU, UK
