Swarm proof

We can probably see that the computer has added a certain type of proof to the list. That is, operationally, we do not have to go all the way to a formal mathematical proof, in many cases. We had this in the past, but modern methods speed things up, allow greater access to data, and enable lightening fast calculations.

Though, we'll also see the continuing upward pace of papers dealing with specific proofs.

What does the title mean? Well, the web business model has spawned all sorts of uses of mathematics that goes against the grain. That is, marketers use methods to raise sales. Well, if it works, then that's nice. Try to explain things, though, and that is more difficult.

One consequence for the marketer would be angry users who don' t like being targeted.

But, that misuse pales in comparison to some others, like too heavy use of modeling for systems and their components versus real testing (to be defined further).

• Aside: Actually, the worse case is some minds, like those at Harvard Business School, making such intense use of regression. What? Teach managers a little mathematics, and they're Einsteins? Yes, a whole generation of supposedly bright people have led us down the path to 'perdition' while at the same time making oodles of bucks. Oh, Lord!!! Deliver us!! (We intend to go on about this at length as the financial types are visible nowadays; yet, engineers, you too have been amiss; perhaps, the first part of the 21st century can shore up 20th century failings).

But, we can call the operational proof that is suggested by the marketeers (of all sorts, on the web) a 'swarm' proof bowing to the work related to the wisdom of crowds (put link here).

In a sense, one could use the concept for analyzing current events. For instance, could one ask if a modern program was 'swarm' related (both in the interest of the airlines (who are those who put their earned bucks out) and the public (whose initial bucks, albeit smaller by entity, are in the game, too)? This is only partly related to the internet (mind you, discussion of the program goes way back on the web, only, of late, accelerating to break-neck speed).

Now, truth engineering is to help define proof types, their use, and their risks. Not to tread on creativity but to foster proper use. 'Risk' and its management is a new science; that those there may have hubris (or is it just the manager's interpretation that is at fault?) ought to give them, and us, some pause (nods to old William F. Buckley).

Remarks:

04/03/2011 -- Need to look at some background issues.

09/12/2009 -- Sandbox was used without definition. Let's discuss that concept.

09/11/2009 -- We have an Econoblog. Also, schools ought to have better roles in financial engineering. Where else to have the necessary sandboxes?

06/06/2009 -- Concept will be re-addressed in terms of the basics.

05/27/2009 -- Even behavioral methods as this need that topsy-turvy be addressed more fully in both an epistemologic and an operational sense.

01/27/2009 -- Now a new day and way to consider these matters.

Modified: 04/04/2011