Search Our Writing:
The Case for AlphaZero: Openings and Pawn Progression
January 20, 2022 | By Timothy Han SM ‘22
On December 6, 2017, AlphaZero, a new chess program developed by Google, changed the world. AlphaZero made its world premier in a match against Stockfish, the most dominant algorithm in chess history. Ever since IBM’s DeepBlue defeated world champion Garry Kasparov in 1997, engines have reigned supreme over humans in the world of chess. Stockfish, the latest in a long line of formidable chess algorithms, could evaluate 70 million moves per second; AlphaZero could only manage 80,000. An open-source program that has been ceaselessly improved since its debut in 2004, Stockfish came armed with countless formulas, strategies, and even endgame sequences to plan for every contingency.
The Age of the Prophets Has Ended (Or So We Thought)
January 20, 2022 | By Vienna Scott BF ‘21
I was vaguely aware of astrology in high school but, my real introduction occurred in my freshman year at Yale. As far as I was concerned, Leo was an actor and Cancer was a disease. But when a classmate offhandedly mentioned that there hasn’t been a Pisces president since 1897 in a seminar and the professor didn’t guffaw, I realized I needed to study up on all things above the stratosphere.
Called to Create: An Interview with Professor Demetrios Braddock
December 31, 2021 | By Raquel Sequeira TD ‘21.5
Professor Demetrios Braddock specializes in Hematopathology (diseases of the blood) at the Yale School of Medicine, where his lab studies a group of proteins that are crucial for the proper development of bones. Loss of one of these proteins in a rare genetic disease leads to hard, bone-like formations in arteries and blood vessels, resulting in death shortly after birth. Professor Braddock created a treatment for this disease by designing a new protein to replace the lost function. I spoke to Professor Braddock about his work—both a scientific and a Christian vocation of creation. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
"Is Anything Worth Believing In?" The Veritas Forum with John Lennox
April 2, 2013 | by Travis Reginal BK '16
On Saturday, February 23rd, John Lennox rolled onto Yale’s campus for the first time to speak on the question “Is Anything Worth Believing In?” It was part of the widely popular Veritas Forum that brings speakers to campuses in the Northeast to speak on the big issues. Yale lecturer in philosophy, Greg Ganssle, helped to facilitate John Lennox’s argument for Christianity by clarifying some of the claims Lennox made and at times pushed back on them. The event was very much anticipated in the Christian community, as a way to bring skeptical friends to hear someone discuss religion logically, and for the skeptical community it was an opportunity to see a moment where John Lennox may falter and give them a reason for their unbelief.
The Will Supreme
By Tommy Schacht, PC ‘21. Tommy is majoring in History.
There is a specter that haunts the globe; a spirit which infects the hearts and minds of billions around the world, informing and guiding their actions on a daily basis. This specter goes by many names, but there is one which I like to call it: optimism.
Upcoming Events:
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William Blake Private Exhibition Tour
THURSDAY, OCT 2ND, 10:30-11:30 AM, Yale Center for British Art
Peter Wicks of the Elm Institute will guide us through the traveling exhibition ‘William Blake: Burning Bright’ at Yale Center for British Art. No previous experience with art or William Blake required. Meet in the Yale Center for British Art lobby.
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Vibe Meeting
THURSDAY, OCT 9TH, 6:15-7:15 PM, William Harkness Hall, RM 012
This week, we will have a more relaxed meeting to chat, have snacks, and play some board games!
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Second Draft Workshop
THURSDAY, OCT 23RD, 6:15-7:15 PM, Location TBD
Second drafts for our print publication are due Oct 31st, so this meeting will cover common problems in the first drafts, what to think about for the second draft, and some ideas on how to make the pieces talk to each other and flow.
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Dinner at Justin and Moriah Hawkins' House
THURSDAY, OCT 30TH, 5:30-7:30 PM.
Justin and Moriah Hawkins have graciously invited us to their house for dinner and conversation! Please email using the link below if you are interested in attending! Transportation provided. -
Content Editing Workshop
THURSDAY, NOV 6TH, 6:15-7:45 PM, Elm Institute
For our print publication, we will be conducting content editing in person. At the Elm Institute, and guided by Peter Wicks, you will be paired with a partner and will each edit each other’s pieces for content and discuss what worked and what didn’t.
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Copy Editing Workshop
THURSDAY, NOV 13TH, 6:15-7:15 PM, Location TBD
For our print publication, we will be conducting copy editing in person. You will be paired with a partner and will each edit each other’s pieces for grammar and punctuation, and polish off anything else needed in the draft.
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Veritas Weekend
FEB 6-8TH, Boston
Save the date for Veritas Weekend in Boston! More information below!