>But is it true that different brains can implement the same algorithm? It >seems it is only true because we abstract a certain algorithm from it's various representation, e.g. as written on paper. Every actual realization, in brains or computer or on paper is actually slightly different at a microscopic level at least. We call it "the same algorithm" because we're abstracting a common functionality or purpose.
The algorithm *is* the abstract functionality. So yes, of course different brains implement the same algorithm >But this only shows that mathematical objects exist in the sense that chair >exists; >as a abstraction from chairs. So chair isn't identical with any particular >chair. It's not *just* the fact that mathematical objects exist in the sense that for instance the 'chair' concept exists, its this fact *combined* with my other arguments (for instance the argument from indispensibility) that rebut reductive materialism. >This looks more like botany than ontology. > >Brent Meeker Try to see what I'm looking to do here. From my 1st semester Java text-book: 'Object-oriented programs are *models* of reality' Pretend that I'm looking to write a 'progam' sufficiently general to (in principle) model all of reality - or at least the parts of reality in which minds can exist. Look at the attempt to construct a 'theory of everything' as an exercise in systems analysis. What's the first thing you want to do to create a software system? You first have to identify the fundamental actors that you're looking to model. In this case, the software system we're looking for must be capable of (in principle) modelling all of reality. So... let's classify and define the 'metaphysical actors'. Then they can be implemented as classes and objects in object-oriented programs... --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Everything List" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/everything-list -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
