Re: Introduction (Digital Physics)

From: Joel Dobrzelewski <dobrzele.domain.name.hidden>
Date: Thu, 21 Jun 2001 06:14:35 -0400

Fred:
> Your cellular automaton demos look pretty neat, but how can you
> tell if they are conscious or self-aware? Do two of these interact
> in a social manner?

Well, in the 3D version there must exist (if these automata are indeed
minimal) configurations that look just like you and me discussing
this very topic. I consider that proof enough that they are
self-aware. (In the 2D version there are just pictures of these
entities.)

> Do they interact with the programmer?

No. There is no programmer. These automata are simply "out there",
waiting to be discovered. Anyone can discover them. And the
inhabitants of cellular automata worlds can reason about the
automaton they live in. That's as close as they can get to talking
with a programmer.

> (A scenario where reality is 'put up' is entertaining, but it
> would be more convincing if a sign were received from beyond, so
> to speak.).

Though I don't expect them to convince anyone else, I have received
all the signs I need. I conclude that in fact this world is 'set up'
for us to topple down! (Yes, I realize it's statements like these
that jeopardize my credibility. :)

 Joel
Received on Thu Jun 21 2001 - 03:11:48 PDT