Brute force may refer to any of several problem-solving methods involving the evaluation of multiple (or every) possible answer(s) for fitness. The term has also been used as a stage name, book title, etc.
In mathematics:
- A problem solving technique where a series of possible answers are worked out and each possibility is tested for accuracy. This technique is particularly useful on multiple choice problems.
- A problem solving technique using workaround methods such as scale diagrams instead of conventional algebra.
- Proof by exhaustion or brute force method, a method of mathematical proof
Non-mathematical problem-solving methods:
- Brute-force search, a trivial computer problem-solving technique
- Brute-force attack, a method of defeating a cryptographic scheme by trying a large number of possibilities
Media and entertainment:
- Brute Force (musician), the stage name of Stephen Friedland
- Brute Force (book), a controversial work by historian John Ellis
- Brute Force (1914 film), starring Harry Carey
- Brute Force (1947 film), starring Burt Lancaster
- Brute Force (video game), a video game
- Brute Force (comics), Simon Furman’s comic about super-intelligent cyborg animals saving the environment
Famous quotes containing the words brute force, brute and/or force:
“A chaplain is the minister of the Prince of Peace serving the host of the God of War—Mars. As such, he is as incongruous as a musket would be on the altar at Christmas. Why, then, is he there? Because he indirectly subserves the purpose attested by the cannon; because too he lends the sanction of the religion of the meek to that which practically is the abrogation of everything but brute Force.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called “facts.” They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain. Who does not know fellows that always have an ill-conditioned fact or two that they lead after them into decent company like so many bull-dogs, ready to let them slip at every ingenious suggestion, or convenient generalization, or pleasant fancy? I allow no “facts” at this table.”
—Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809–1894)
“If you were to destroy the belief in immortality in mankind, not only love but every living force on which the continuation of all life in the world depended, would dry up at once.”
—Feodor Dostoyevsky (1821–1881)