Definition of "calculus" a : a method of computation or calculation in a special notation (as of logic or symbolic logic)
b : the mathematical methods comprising differential and integral calculus —often used with the So a "calculus" means more than differentiation and integration it can also mean a system of symbols that can be "mechanistically" modified; algorithmically modified if you prefer. Lambda abstraction was probably chosen in case someone found better abstractions; e.g. epsilon, delta, gamma, beta, alpha, ... :) Or Joel Spolsky's "leaky abstractions". :D On Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 9:37 AM, C K Kashyap <ckkash...@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi, > Can someone please tell me what is the root of the name lambda calculus? Is > it just because of the symbol lambda that is used? > Why not alpha or beta calculus? > Regards, > Kashyap > _______________________________________________ > Haskell-Cafe mailing list > Haskell-Cafe@haskell.org > http://www.haskell.org/mailman/listinfo/haskell-cafe > > -- -- Regards, KC _______________________________________________ Haskell-Cafe mailing list Haskell-Cafe@haskell.org http://www.haskell.org/mailman/listinfo/haskell-cafe
