Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal David Wolpert on the Monotheism Theorem, Penrose, Consciousness, Free Will, and Uncaused Causation
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Mar 10, 2022 David Wolpert, an expert in inference devices and algorithmic information theory, explores mind-bending concepts like the Monotheism Theorem and the limits of prediction. He discusses the implications of Laplace's Demon, challenging the deterministic view of reality. Wolpert sheds light on the nature of 'observers' and how our understanding is shaped by consciousness. He navigates through free will, the conflict with multiple deities, and critiques on perception, leading listeners through a philosophical labyrinth of thought-provoking inquiries.
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Impossibility Result for Laplace's Demon
- The impossibility result for Laplace's Demon applies to any question related to the future state of the demon's own "brain".
- The question-answer pair concerning its future state will always be wrong, regardless of the prediction method or physical laws.
Chaco: The Inference Device
- David Wolpert uses his dog, Chaco, as an example of an "inference device."
- Chaco, despite lacking formal training, exhibits intelligent behavior by understanding Wolpert's tone and social cues.
The Monotheism Theorem
- The monotheism theorem posits that in a universe with "free will," only one deity with perfect inference abilities can exist.
- Two such deities with free will create a logical contradiction regarding their mutual influence.