X-Message-Number: 26090
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 10:10:16 -0400
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: To Francious and Yvan, re simulations

For Francois:

Your simulation of a human being raises a variety of problems. First, it
is not explicitly parallel --- though perhaps you didn't bother to 
mention that. Second, if this simulation runs for only a few seconds,
it may not take up too much space or materials, but if not then you're
suggesting a VERY large project. Basically you have suggested simulating
the world (unless your simulated human has been locked in that room
for his whole life and remains unaware of anything else). Third, the
simulation must have parts that act simultaneously --- something an
ordinary present-day computer could not do.

For Yvan:

When I said that no matter how fast you had your time-sharing single
computer running, if it did not run all its neurons SIMULTANEOUSLY
then sooner or later it will run into problems. Yes, the faster it
runs the longer it will take to meet the simultaneous events in
the universe disastrously.

I note that you have not discussed this problem at all. Please do so.

A discussion of just how your system will simulate a brain, too, would
be useful here. I have pointed out that unlike what people thought only
15 years ago, our brains are biologically active, growing new neurons
and new connections between old neurons. How do you propose to implement
this growth feature? This question becomes particularly important 
because such growth apparently plays a role in learning and the formation
of new memories.

            Best wishes and long long life to all,

                Thomas Donaldson

Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=26090