Religion and Ethics Forum

General Category => Science and Technology => Topic started by: Steve H on October 06, 2020, 03:45:00 PM

Title: Sir Roger Penrose wins Nobel physics prize
Post by: Steve H on October 06, 2020, 03:45:00 PM
About time too. (https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/roger-penrose-wins-2020-nobel-prize-in-physics-for-discovery-about-black-holes)
Title: Re: Sir Roger Penrose wins Nobel physics prize
Post by: Nearly Sane on October 06, 2020, 05:05:02 PM
The Emperor's New Mind is a brilliant book.
Title: Re: Sir Roger Penrose wins Nobel physics prize
Post by: jeremyp on October 06, 2020, 05:58:54 PM
Quote from: Nearly Sane on October 06, 2020, 05:05:02 PM
The Emperor's New Mind is a brilliant book.

I agree, although I think his hypothesis of the mind is incorrect.
Title: Re: Sir Roger Penrose wins Nobel physics prize
Post by: Steve H on October 06, 2020, 06:31:31 PM
You might say he's been ennobeled.
Title: Re: Sir Roger Penrose wins Nobel physics prize
Post by: Nearly Sane on October 06, 2020, 06:56:37 PM
Quote from: jeremyp on October 06, 2020, 05:58:54 PM
I agree, although I think his hypothesis of the mind is incorrect.
Agree as well.
Title: Re: Sir Roger Penrose wins Nobel physics prize
Post by: Steve H on October 06, 2020, 07:46:01 PM
I've got TENM - I must get round to reading it some day.
Title: Re: Sir Roger Penrose wins Nobel physics prize
Post by: Steve H on October 07, 2020, 10:16:01 AM
Quote from: jeremyp on October 06, 2020, 05:58:54 PM
I agree, although I think his hypothesis of the mind is incorrect.
Why do you think so?
Title: Re: Sir Roger Penrose wins Nobel physics prize
Post by: jeremyp on October 07, 2020, 10:31:13 AM
Quote from: Blokey McBlokeface on October 07, 2020, 10:16:01 AM
Why do you think so?
Mainly because I think he was trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. He claimed that human minds can do things that should be impossible according to mathematical arguments about computability. He argues that the brain must employ quantum effects to do thinking.

Firstly, I don't think he demonstrates that human minds are not subject to the limitations imposed by arguments about computability. Secondly, invoking quantum effects wouldn't save him if we aren't. If there's a mathematical impossibility, a different physical law won't change it.