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shminux comments on Debugging the Quantum Physics Sequence - Less Wrong Discussion

32 Post author: Mitchell_Porter 05 September 2012 03:55PM

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Comment author: shminux 07 September 2012 03:26:34AM *  0 points [-]

Accordingly, if we're in a simulation, and the simulation is pure quantum, but it's implemented in classical computers, it's not wrong to say MWI is correct.

OK, I think I understand and mostly agree. Though I would make a weaker, interpretation-agnostic statement: "it's not wrong to say QM is correct". I don't think that it invalidates my original point, however, that it is likely possible to simulate human-like agents discussing rationality using, say, Newtonian physics, and such agents will have no need for QM.

Comment author: Luke_A_Somers 07 September 2012 02:39:21PM 0 points [-]

Well, yes, but I don't see how that has anything to do with the QM sequence.

Comment author: shminux 07 September 2012 04:15:12PM *  1 point [-]

Again, my (and others') long-standing point has been that the QM sequence as a case study is not a good one. Given that the same rationality-related arguments can likely be made in a world without QM, and that the MWI discussion sparks too much controversy that detracts from the point (whatever it might be), it stands to reason that a different case study would serve this goal better (it can hardly be worse).

Comment author: Luke_A_Somers 07 September 2012 04:55:00PM 0 points [-]

If the case-study pertained to banana custard stands, certainly rationality-related arguments would be devisable in a world without banana custard stands.

That aside - MWI being controversial is a fair point, which is why I didn't have anything to say about it in the post with the simulation analogy. I suppose I should have explicitly acknowledged that then, so you would not feel the need to raise it again. Sorry about that.

Comment author: shminux 07 September 2012 06:23:37PM 0 points [-]

BTW, I hope you are not the one who immediately downvotes almost all my QM-related posts.

Comment author: Luke_A_Somers 07 September 2012 11:32:56PM *  2 points [-]

I am not. I have a batch of -1 posts elsewhere on this page myself, and I trust you're not behind them.

edit: oh come ON. How could this get upvoted? sheesh people. Maybe this could have been done in PM, but if it should have, then nail us both for it.

Comment author: shminux 07 September 2012 11:40:48PM *  0 points [-]

Just checked... No, not a single one is mine, though I did upvote a couple earler.