Will monkeys really type Shakespeare if given enough time?

[sparkchaser]

We've all heard the infinite monkey theorem where "a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type a given text, such as the complete works of William Shakespeare".

But is it true?

The study: A single computer was placed in a monkey enclosure at Paignton Zoo to monitor the literary output of six primates.

Who and when: Students at University of Plymouth, 2003, paid for from a £2,000 Arts Council grant

The aim: To test the "infinite monkey theory", which states that if a monkey hits keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time, it will almost surely type a given text, such as the complete works of William Shakespeare.

What was learnt: The theory is flawed. After one month - admittedly not an "infinite" amount of time - the monkeys had partially destroyed the machine, used it as a lavatory, and mostly typed the letter "s".

:lol:

Awesome.

 

[Disenthral]

It's official animal research is ridiculous!They probably just saw what they were supposed to type and went in a rampage.

 

[sparkchaser]

S reminds them of their tail.

 

[libri vermis]

What was learnt: The theory is flawed. After one month - admittedly not an "infinite" amount of time - the monkeys had partially destroyed the machine, used it as a lavatory, and mostly typed the letter "s".

I believe what they were attempting to type was "SOS". I would, if I was in their situation.

 

[-Carlos-]

Well I'll be a monkeys uncle if that ever happens. No way, no how.

 

[sparkchaser]

The theory needs to be rewritten; that's how the scientific method works.

My suggestion: "a monkey hitting keys at random on an indestructible typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type a given text, such as the complete works of William Shakespeare"

 

[Landslide]

The theory needs to be rewritten; that's how the scientific method works.

My suggestion: "a monkey hitting keys at random on an indestructible typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type a given text, such as the complete works of William Shakespeare"

And don't forget waterproof as they used it as a lavatory...

 

[beer good]

And don't forget waterproof as they used it as a lavatory...

In that case, it seems more like a monkey hitting keys at random on an indestructible typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type a given text, such as the complete works of Dan Brown.

 

[steffee]

We've all heard the infinite monkey theorem where "a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type a given text, such as the complete works of William Shakespeare".

I hadn't heard that actually. :flowers:

But I agree with your er, scientific study suggestion.

 

[sparkchaser]

In that case, it seems more like a monkey hitting keys at random on an indestructible typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type a given text, such as the complete works of Dan Brown.

:lol:

 

[sparkchaser]

Oh, and I would be remiss if I didn't include this:

YouTube - Simpsons: It was the best of times...

 

[joderu95]

I'm still confident it's going to happen.

 

[dele]

Someone actually gave them a grant to do this? If they have so much money to burn, I'll gladly take some off their hands!

 

[sparkchaser]

I would have totally paid for a study like that.

 

[Peder]

Stupid study perhaps, but solid theory I think.
I'm with joderu.

Anyone for butterflies in Burma causing snowstorms in NY?
Same ilk.

Both unimaginable.

 

[saliotthomas]

I'd be carl Rivers i'd be mighty glad, this mean i still have a chance to write proper stuff,.... given time.

 

[Peder]

There's more than enough time for all of us.

 

[Fed_Da_Man]

if you guys like the idea you will prob. like this short story:

The Library of Babel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Bob Magness]

The theory needs to be rewritten; that's how the scientific method works.

My suggestion: "a monkey hitting keys at random on an indestructible typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type a given text, such as the complete works of William Shakespeare"

Ahh, but why wouldn't you just end up with an infinite amount of gibberish?

 

[Peder]

There would be that too -- in overwhelming amounts.