Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id XAA27273 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Thu, 8 Feb 2001 23:12:27 GMT From: <lhousego@axa.com.au> X-Lotus-FromDomain: NMH@NMHEXT@NMHDMZ To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk Message-Id: <4A2569ED.0083AD94.00@c2.nm.com.au> Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 10:06:14 +1000 Subject: Re: Question Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Disposition: inline Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
I don't think true isolation is feasible for determination of a "state".
Agreement on cats in boxes etc. Great thing is the cat is dead so long as
you don't open the box.
However - as with quantum computing (hell, science in general), you can use
two states (or whatever terminology) each composed of unknowable but
identitical variables to be able to compute the value of a third state. So
its a matter of what you want. Do you want to find out the state of
something (a mind or whatever people call them) in a point in time, in
which case yes, can be done, or do you want to observe the world without
effecting it, in which case, too late!
Personal favourite term is "Schrodingers grep" which I came across on
everything2.com.
You would need to know unix shell scripting to get it. Cats are so old
economy.
As for minds superiority over computers, disagree based on the theory of
selection of human mind through its capability to spread/host memes.
Computers are even better than human minds at this, so they will out
evolve. The innarnat thang.
Gawd? A third possible state to this question is "who cares?". This is
perhaps better phrased as a query on relevance of the question in general.
Which I think is a semi-agreeance on not making your mind up, by choosing
to not even consider it. Damn cats. Can't tell what the pesky things will
do next.
Dr Able Lawrence <able@sgpgi.ac.in> on 08/02/2001 07:26:22 pm
Please respond to memetics@mmu.ac.uk
To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
cc:
Subject:
Shall I ask you a question.
Can you determine the state of a persons mind without disturbing its
state?
Dont the very process of trying to determine the state of mind (making up
you mind as people say!) actually leads to a state far removed from the
real state.
The Heisenbergs uncertainty principle is probably more applicable to mind
than even subatomic particles. I believe than it is possible for people
(most people agree) to have two simultaneous but contradictoty thoughts
although most people would find it uncomfortable with that. Like quantum
superposition and Schrodinger cat. This I think is the secret of minds
superiority over digital computers. Just as quantum computers can make
problems difficult for digital computers appear simple.
One should make up ones mind only where it is necessary.
I think I can take the qustion of `Do you believe in God ?` as a test
case.
Although many of us would have made up our mind on the matter, the fact
that there are always two sides on this says this is not all that simple
for some one seriously asking this question.
My point is whether it wouldnt be better to let such things hang so that
we can think both possiblities and get the benefit of wider thinking and
behave according to what is more appropriate at any given time.
Those who are concerned about human behaviour and choice making (like
psephologists for example)must definitely take this seriously.
I for example talk like a right winger with leftists and a left wingerwith
rightists depending on our relative position.
I am a staunch supporter of free market and democracy but has voted left
in all the elections!
Yes we all chose the lesser evil. In such situations , wouldnt holding to
the last help you make a better decision. (I agree not always)
Any takers on this issue although I agree we are digressing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr Able Lawrence MD
Senior Resident
Clinical Immunology
SGPGIMS, Lucknow
able@sgpgi.ac.in
Ph +91 98390 70247
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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