HSP 124-02
Albion College
Fall 02021
Discussion Questions for FF: Prologue & Ch. 1


1. What are some real world or practical uses for gambling theory (excluding gambling)?

2. If you could come up with a way to beat the system and possibly improve technology would you publicize what you found, or would you keep it to yourself for personal gain?

3. Shannon became a jack of all trades, do you think it could have been more beneficial if he had stuck to just one area of study?

4. How unethical do you think it would be to utilize Kelly’s system?

5. Shannon was a star at such a young age, how do you think it affected his later work (or lack thereof)?

6. Shannon believed information theory was oversold and just became a trendy metaphor. Do you agree?

7. Do you think this book is hyping up Shannon too much or for the right reasons? Poundstone is really tooting Shannon’s horn, for the right reasons, but does it have to be this much? 

8. Do you think technology is making our lives so easy that we forget the fun in make believe or forget about the moments of joyous creativity?

9. Pg 3 "A customer who learned the winner before the bookmakers did could place bets on a horse that had already won." Is there any instances today where cases like this may occur? if so, are there any that are not frowned upon by most of the public?

10. Pg 15 "He had singlehandedly invented an important new science." Is it fathomable to think of a new-undiscovered science? How impactful would that be on our culture today?