I guess this is a case of “different strokes for different folks”. I will point out that it is fairly traditional for technical communication to contain formulas, equations, and/or pseudo-code. I believe the assumption behind this tradition is that such formal means of presentation are often clearer than expository text.
I will point out that it is fairly traditional for technical communication to contain formulas, equations, and/or pseudo-code.
I am aware of the tradition. Yes, Eliezer’s piece does not include any semblance of technical rigour.
I believe the assumption behind this tradition is that such formal means of presentation are often clearer than expository text.
There is a reason the formal presentations include accompanying explanations. The mathematics for this kind of thing would be nigh incoherent and quite possibly longer than a verbal description. Expository text is utterly critical.
Incidentally, I have almost no doubt that “might be easier to understand” is not your real reason for demanding “you know, variables and things”. Some of your real reasons may actually be better in this instance.
Easier? That’s the opposite of true for this kind of material!
Easier if also expressed that way. You need the prose to know what the symbols mean, but the math itself is incredibly clearer when done as symbols.
I guess this is a case of “different strokes for different folks”. I will point out that it is fairly traditional for technical communication to contain formulas, equations, and/or pseudo-code. I believe the assumption behind this tradition is that such formal means of presentation are often clearer than expository text.
I am aware of the tradition. Yes, Eliezer’s piece does not include any semblance of technical rigour.
There is a reason the formal presentations include accompanying explanations. The mathematics for this kind of thing would be nigh incoherent and quite possibly longer than a verbal description. Expository text is utterly critical.
Incidentally, I have almost no doubt that “might be easier to understand” is not your real reason for demanding “you know, variables and things”. Some of your real reasons may actually be better in this instance.