Information Theory

Inquiry Unit

Information Theory

One of the traits that makes humans unique from other animals is our consciousness, the fact that we can remember concrete ideas, both actual memories and abstract thoughts. These brain activities are…

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A Mathematical Theory of Communication

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A Mathematical Theory of Communication

Information Theory Unit

Parts I & II By C.E. Shannon Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc. With this paper, Claude Shannon provided the theoretical foundation for communication engineering. It describes how inform…

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Quipu

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Quipu

Information Theory Unit

Quipus, or Khipus, were used by civilizations of the Andes, such as the Incas and were a means of recording information. The lengths of the chords, colors, and knots were used to record numeri…

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Claude Shannon

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Claude Shannon

Information Theory Unit

Often noted as "the father of information theory". "The American mathematician and computer scientist who conceived and laid the foundations for information theory. His theories laid the ground…

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The Antikythera Mechanism

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The Antikythera Mechanism

Information Theory Unit

An Ancient Greek bronze hand-powered mechanical device that calculated astronomical positions, is described as the oldest known example of an analogue computer. In 1900, off the coast of Antiky…

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Chinese Oracle Bone

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Chinese Oracle Bone

Information Theory Unit

In ancient China, mainly during the late Shang dynasty, oracle bones were used as a form of divination. Inscriptions were carved on pieces of ox scapula and turtle plastron and are the oldes…

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Cave Paintings

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Cave Paintings

Information Theory Unit

A form of rock art found in caves typically of prehistoric origin and are representative of a means to convey information. The France Ministry of Culture (Ministere de la Culture) and the N…

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