David Wolpert: What Can We Really Know About That Which We Cannot Even Imagine? No Free Lunch

Oct 25, 2023

David Wolpert, a Professor at the Santa Fe Institute, discusses how humans construct math, the reality of mathematics, inference devices, the limits of consciousness, and the role of math in science. He explores the concept of time, the limits of human intelligence, and the importance of math in understanding one's thoughts.

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INSIGHT

Reality and Consciousness

Consciousness is a fiction, a story we create to feel in control.
Reality is a mathematical system, and our consciousness is a part of it.

ANECDOTE

Split-Brain Experiments

People with severed corpus callosums have two separate minds.
One hemisphere can control actions while the other, unaware, fabricates reasons.

INSIGHT

Inference Devices and Reality

Humans use stochastic mathematical systems, approximating true math.
As inference devices, our perception of reality is affected by these approximations.

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David Wolpert is a Professor at the Santa Fe Institute, external professor at the Complexity Science Hub in Vienna, adjunct professor at ASU, and research associate at the ICTP in Trieste. He is the author of three books (and co-editor of several more), over 200 papers, has three patents, is an associate editor at over half a dozen journals, has received numerous awards, and is a fellow of the IEEE. He has over 30,000 citations, was the Ulam Scholar at the Center for Nonlinear Studies, and before that he was at NASA Ames Research Center and a consulting professor at Stanford University, where he formed the Collective Intelligence group. His degrees in Physics are from Princeton and the University of California. EPISODE LINKS: - David's Work: https://tinyurl.com/38e9vtzx - Davi'ds Publications: https://tinyurl.com/3zayjjhy - David' Website: https://davidwolpert.weebly.com/ TIMESTAMPS: (0:00) - Introduction (0:18) - How do Humans Construct Math & How does Math (Construct Universes? (6:24) - Reality is Mathematical (10:23) - Stochastic Mathematical Systems & Theorem Provers (16:40) - Inference Devices (18:54) - What can we really know about that which we cannot even imagine? (22:05) - Human Language (25:30) - Consciousness (29:39) - Math & Science "cut through the bullshit" (33:33) - Was Math Invented or Discovered? (39:16) - Prediction vs Retrodiction (43:19) - Where should Math & Science go moving forward? (45:22) - David's current projects (49:15) - Conclusion CONNECT: - Website: https://tevinnaidu.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtevinnaidu/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu/ For Business Inquiries: info@tevinnaidu.com ============================= ABOUT MIND-BODY SOLUTION: Mind-Body Solution explores the nature of consciousness, reality, free will, morality, mental health, and more. This podcast presents enlightening discourse with the world’s leading experts in philosophy, physics, neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, AI, and beyond. It will change the way you think about the mind-body dichotomy by showing just how difficult — intellectually and practically — the mind-body problem is. Join Dr. Tevin Naidu on a quest to conquer the mind-body problem and take one step closer to the mind-body solution. Dr Tevin Naidu is a medical doctor, philosopher & ethicist. He attained his Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery degree from Stellenbosch University, & his Master of Philosophy degree Cum Laude from the University of Pretoria. His academic work focuses on theories of consciousness, computational psychiatry, phenomenological psychopathology, values-based practice, moral luck, addiction, & the philosophy & ethics of science, mind & mental health. ===================== Disclaimer: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and audio channel contain dialog, music, and images that are the property of Mind-Body Solution. You are authorised to share the link and channel, and embed this link in your website or others as long as a link back to this channel is provided. © Mind-Body Solution