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