A Conversation for The Halting Problem
Deep Thoughts on Halting Problem
danshawen Started conversation Jan 20, 2014
The halting problem has a philosophical implication on all finite automata, which includes the finite human mind.
A human mind that responds to a limitation of sensory input shows this problem first. Without stimulus, language (written, oral, or otherwise) does not develop, and the thing we call intelligence is likewise diminished.
Once symbolic communication (voice, sign language, written symbols) is established, the limitation imposed by the halting problem is somewhat offset, but it is still there.
A computer that only deals with symbolic input with no other form of stimulus is likely to be an idiot, or at most be able to deal with a small subset of what chemically based automata such as a human brain can master.
Even the best human mathematician will eventually find that the symbolic manipulations can only get his or her understanding so far, in the grand scheme of things. Likewise for reading everything they can get his or her hands on, including a compendium of knowledge as vast at that of the h2g2, galactic edition. The words on a printed page or a mobile device's screen are as dead as the ink and paper it is written on, or the 1's and 0's that make up its display the very second they are written and deposited there.
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