Computability Theory: An Introduction to Recursion Theory

Computability Theory:  An Introduction to Recursion Theory,  provides a concise, comprehensive, and authoritative introduction to contemporary computability theory, techniques, and results. The basic concepts and techniques of computability theory are placed in their historical, philosophical and logical context. This presentation is characterized by an unusual breadth of coverage and the inclusion of advanced topics not to be found elsewhere in the literature at this level.  The text includes both the standard material for a first course in computability and more advanced looks at degree structures, forcing, priority methods, and determinacy. The final chapter explores a variety of computability applications to mathematics and science.  Computability Theory is an invaluable text, reference, and guide to the direction of current research in the field. Nowhere else will you find the techniques and results of this beautiful and basic subject brought alive in such an approachable way.

Frequent historical information presented throughout More extensive motivation for each of the topics than other texts currently available Connects with topics not included in other textbooks, such as complexity theory

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The Computability Concept
Chapter 2 General Recursive Functions
Chapter 3 Programs and Machines
Chapter 4 Recursive Enumerability
Chapter 5 Connections to Logic
Chapter 6 Degrees of Unsolvability
Chapter 7 Polynomial-Time Computability