But what does that mean? If it's just a case of taking some input, doing something with it, and then outputting something else, then every physical process is an act of computation, isn't it? — Michael
We can say that, but I'm not sure how meaningful a rock computer is. I can't use it to do anything useful I would use a computer for. — Marchesk
Also, the idea that physical systems are transforming inputs into outputs is an interpretation where we treat things as inputs and outputs.
So for something to count as computation, the output has to be useful? Then how about the physical processes that brought about the Sun, or DNA? — Michael
I think you're being too pedantic. If we just look at the physics of a calculator, all that happens is some physical thing reacts to some physical force. Kinetic energy causes a chain reaction that results in certain LEDs emitting light. — Michael
Well, if you define computation as involving symbols, and if you define symbols as things that have a particular meaning to us, then it follows by definition that computation doesn't exist independent of human minds and culture. — Michael
Does computation exist independent of human minds and culture? — Marchesk
...we could be living inside a simulation, etc.
However, if the any physical system can in principle be simulated, does that say something deep about the world? Does math or qubits form the structure of what we experience?
Do we have to define computation as symbol manipulation? There are clearly phenomena in nature that are driven by information transfer rather than just energy transfer. — Srap Tasmaner
How do you intelligibly talk about genetic material without allowing that there are molecules carrying information? — Srap Tasmaner
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