Wei_Dai comments on Who thinks quantum computing will be necessary for AI? - Less Wrong

4 Post author: ChrisHallquist 28 May 2013 10:59PM

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Comment author: Wei_Dai 29 May 2013 08:25:35AM 7 points [-]

It's not possible to discuss "the amount of computations required" without specifying a model of computation. Chris is asking whether an AI might be much slower on a classical computer than a quantum computer, to the extent that it's practically infeasible unless large scale quantum computing is feasible. This is a perfectly reasonable question to ask and I think your objection must be due to an over-literal interpretation of his post title or some other misunderstanding.

Comment author: shminux 29 May 2013 02:32:06PM 3 points [-]

It's not possible to discuss "the amount of computations required" without specifying a model of computation.

I agree, there are more steps in between "AI is hard" and "we need QC".

However, from what I understand, those who say "QC is required for AI" just use this "argument" (e.g. "AI is at least as hard as code breaking") as an excuse to avoid thinking about AI, not as a thoughtful conclusion from analyzing available data.