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Chapman University

Random Variable Spaces: Mathematical Properties and an Extension to Programming Computable Functions

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>This dissertation aims to extend the boundaries of Programming Computable Functions (PCF) by introducing a novel collection of categories referred to as Random Variable Spaces. Originating as a generalization of Quasi-Borel Spaces, Random Variable Spaces are rigorously defined as categories where objects are sets paired with a collection of random variables from an underlying measurable space. These spaces offer a theoretical foundation for extending PCF to natively handle stochastic elements.</p> <p>The dissertation is structured into seven chapters that provide a multi-disciplinary background, from PCF and Measure Theory to Category Theory with special attention to Monads and the Giry Monad. The crux of the dissertation lies in the detailed exploration of Random Variable Spaces. Their mathematical properties are studied, including the establishment of relationships between these spaces through functors based on measurable functions. Additionally, the dissertation investigates the possibility of a fibration between the category of Measurable Spaces (Meas) and Random Variable Spaces. While such a fibration is not found, it offers an alternative fibration after particular alterations are made to Meas. Further, the work culminates in an extension to PCF, introducing computational rules to accommodate random variables. The dissertation provides a formal proof of correctness for these new rules, validating the extended framework's reliability.</p> <p>The dissertation makes contributions to the fields of mathematical logic and computation. It not only extends PCF in a significant manner but also lays the groundwork for future research in Random Variable Spaces and their applicability to the theory of computation. With its focus on allowing PCF to natively handle stochastic elements, this dissertation aims to enrich our understanding of computation in an increasingly complex and probabilistic world.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Level thesis:degree_level
Dissertation
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Computational and Data Sciences
Year
2023

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Kurd-Misto, Mohammed
Contributors dc:contributor
  • M. Andrew Moshier
  • Peter Jipsen
  • Alexander Kurz

Subjects

dc:subject × 8

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:digitalcommons.chapman.edu:cads_dissertations-1043

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Chapman University
Base URL
digitalcommons.chapman.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Kurd-Misto, Mohammed. Random Variable Spaces: Mathematical Properties and an Extension to Programming Computable Functions. Dissertation thesis, 2023. https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/cads_dissertations/42