On Sun, May 31, 2015 LizR <[email protected]> wrote: >> A Turing Machine does assume matter that obeys the laws of physics >> >> > It assumes that an infinite tape is available. >
A Turing Machine assumes a unlimited tape, that is to say if you start to run out of tape you can order up more tape; it would only need an infinite amount of tape if a infinite number of calculations were required. > > A Turing Machine is actually an *algorithm* > Yes, a algorithm that is a set of instructions that explains how to organize matter that obeys the laws of physics in such a way that it can make any finite calculation. > > it isn't a mechanical device, > Well it better be if you expect it to actually do something! An algorithm without matter that obeys the laws of physics can't do diddly squat. >although one could make a device that (imperfectly) instantiates the algorithm. You've got it backward, the algorithm imperfectly instantiates the device; the device has something very important that the algorithm lacks, matter that obeys the laws of physics. > > we require matter to do *anything.* But to say that therefore all > abstractions "assume matter" is either to make a vacuous statement or to > assume, as a metaphysical leap of faith, that primary materialism is true. > So lets review, nobody has ever has ever made one single calculation without using matter that obeys the laws of physics and nobody has even come close to showing that such a thing could even happen, nevertheless you assume that it does and thus it is me with my uncertainty about the entire business who has engaged in a metaphysical leap of faith. Hmm..., explain to me again exactly how that works. John K Clark -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Everything List" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/everything-list. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
