X-Message-Number: 15012 From: "Pat Clancy" <> Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2000 17:44:05 -0800 Subject: Re: Clancy, brief comment Henri Kluytmans wrote: > Of course, a discrete system cannot imitate an analog system (or > a quantum mechanical system) with exact precision. However the > question is : "Is exact accuracy required?" > > First of all, it doesn't seem likely that details at the > quantum mechanical are essential for the functioning of > the mind. (And that's what is the issue here.) > And it seems that most neuro-scientists tend to agree. > > If you think so, can you give me the scientific motivation > as to why ? I don't think that anyone has any real idea whether quantum level details are essential to mind function. But I was not arguing that quantum level effects are involved - as I said in my prior message no one knows if this is the case. I was arguing that a Turing machine cannot implement quantum reality. I would also say the same thing in response to the rest of your message. But since I also don't believe that the mind is a Turing machine, I see no problem with this - _if_ quantum effects are involved, it would make sense to create those same effects _directly_ in an artificial mind, rather than try to simulate them with a computer. Pat Clancy Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=15012