Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Fester Chugabrew
what is the proper place of mathematics and probabilities in determining processes of self-organization?

Funny you should ask. From conversation with another poster, it appears that self-organization has no agreed definition and you'd need a pretty rigorous one before it could be treated mathematically.

Is science even capable of quantifying intelligence or design?

Based on what I know, there is no MNS theory of intelligence. Like pornography, it is one of those things we recognize when we see it. My guess is that before too long, say in the 20-30 year time frame, we will have a much better handle on it and, not too long after that, will be creating computers rivaling and then surpassing people in intelligence. I think people will also integrate that capability into themselves. I hope I get to see it.

Design is a different matter, assuming you mean by it the same as I - an intention or plan carried out. Programs that create and then effect plans in simple virtual worlds are old hat, but uninteresting because they're so limited. However, it has been done. For example, a program living in a worlds of blocks is given a goal, make a stack of three blocks with a blue block on top, and will generate and test plans to achieve the goal. When it's found one it executes it.

how fast does an electron move?

Trick question?

2,670 posted on 06/09/2005 10:24:04 PM PDT by edsheppa
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2668 | View Replies ]


To: edsheppa
Trick question?

No. Curious change. Did some checking into it. Looks like 2,200 kilometers per second for the electron from a hydrogen atom. What is it that governs all those atoms so that the elements do not go into chaos? Can science adequately address such a question?

2,671 posted on 06/10/2005 5:33:32 AM PDT by Fester Chugabrew
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2670 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson