Re: Algorithm questions...

Well, if it's thinking logically you're after:

Sketch Goedel's first incompleteness theorem.
Discuss how the Euthyphro dilemma raises a problem for the Divine Command theory of ethics.

But seriously, folks ... how about "lateral thinking" tests too? e.g. "how would you use a barometer to measure the height of a building?" (one ans: drop it and see how long before it hits, height = 1/2gt^2)

Philosophy can be made out of anything. Or less -- Jerry A. Fodor

Comment on Re: Algorithm questions...

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Re: Re: Algorithm questions... by arturo (Vicar) on Nov 17, 2000 at 04:46 UTC
Replying to my own node, lemme say that I pass my own test. I think. A sketch of Gödel's Theorem Philosophy can be made out of anything. Or less -- Jerry A. Fodor	[reply]
Re: Re: Algorithm questions... by MeowChow (Vicar) on Nov 18, 2000 at 01:01 UTC
"how would you use a barometer to measure the height of a building?" (one ans: drop it and see how long before it hits, height = 1/2gt^2) The problem with this question is that you didn't mention to the candidate that they are also in posession of a watch. Of course, they can still attempt the elegant and accurate "one-mississippi, two-mississippi, three-mississippi" solution. Anyway, wouldn't a barometer be useful in mesuring a building's height, since there would be a relative pressure difference between top and bottom? I'm sure a formula could be worked out...	[reply]
Re (tilly) 3: Algorithm questions... by tilly (Archbishop) on Nov 18, 2000 at 02:00 UTC
The point of this question is to answer the question in any way possible without using the barometer for its obvious purpose. For instance by going to the owner of the building and offering to trade one barometer for the answer to how tall the building is...	[reply]