Computation

Definition

Computation is the process of using algorithms to working through a problem.

Etymology

• From the Latin - with thinking, to settle, to make clear, to reckon

Assumptions

Nearly all models of computation assume some sort of logical engine to run the computation on that is not impacted by the environment.

Problems

• The "Computer" or computation engine is a part of the environment and any action is dependent on its construction and possibly on the environment where it is run.
• We know from "side channel attacks" and defects in the computer chips that the environment always as some impacted on the computation, even when all attempts are made to minimize those effects.
• When real world computing devices, like the human genome, are run, the "computer" is just the egg cell which brings with it all sorts of environmental effects.
• See the wiki page on Prions for details on "side channel" attacks against the human genome.