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Computing the Uncomputable, or, The Discrete Charm of Second-order Simulacra

Parker, Matthew W. (2008) Computing the Uncomputable, or, The Discrete Charm of Second-order Simulacra. In: [2006] Models and Simulations (Paris, 2006).

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    Abstract

    We examine a case in which non-computable behavior in a model is revealed by computer simulation. This is possible due to differing notions of computability for sets in a continuous space. The argument originally given for the validity of the simulation involves a simpler simulation of the simulation, still further simulations thereof, and a universality conjecture. There are difficulties with that argument, but there are other, heuristic arguments supporting the qualitative results. It is urged, using this example, that absolute validation, while highly desirable, is overvalued. Simulations also provide valuable insights that we cannot yet (if ever) prove.

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    Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item (UNSPECIFIED)
    Keywords: Chaos basin attraction attractor computability decidability computer simulation scaling riddled non-computability undecidability Chaitin validation
    Subjects: General Issues > Models and Idealization
    Specific Sciences > Computation/Information > Classical
    Specific Sciences > Complex Systems
    Specific Sciences > Physics
    Conferences and Volumes: [2006] Models and Simulations (Paris, 2006)
    Depositing User: Matthew Parker
    Date Deposited: 02 Nov 2008
    Last Modified: 07 Oct 2010 11:16
    Item ID: 3905
    URI: http://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/3905

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