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From: speaker@umcp-cs.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.religion
Subject: Re: Quantum mechanics and free will... - (nf)
Message-ID: <5820@umcp-cs.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 9-Mar-84 14:14:28 EST
Article-I.D.: umcp-cs.5820
Posted: Fri Mar  9 14:14:28 1984
Date-Received: Sat, 10-Mar-84 14:17:33 EST
References: <2704@fortune.UUCP>
Organization: Univ. of Maryland, Computer Science Dept.
Lines: 36


	Digital computers are not all that deterministic. Get a
	local hardware wizard to explain about Heisenberg Uncertainty
	and the "metastable problem" in synchronizers. (Synchronizers
	are the gadgets that have to make decisions as to whether
	something happened or not.) Quantum effects show up in many
	places in modern semiconductor logic. MOST of the time they
	can be ignored, but...

Ah!  Good!  This is very true.  Tunnel diodes can only be explained
via quantum mechanics.  A cannon ball is a very simple device,
however; not as obtuse as a tunnel diode.

There are times when newtonian mechanics seems to totally break
down altogether.  In some cases where frictional forces are
involved, traditional theory simply cannot describe what is observed.
I view this, not as the introduction of random behavior or
uncertainty, but of the inadequacy of theory to describe fact....

Besides, hardware doesn't count!  I did specify a STABLE computing
environment.

	Given that neurons have to make the same sorts of decisions
	as computer synchronizers (whether to fire or not), it
	seems that we should not be surprised to discover nondeterminacy
	in human "consciousness" (whatever that is!). Heisenberg
	+ decisionmaking => SchroedingerCats

Yes.  Although remember, making a high-level conscious decision
is MUCH different from one or two or a thousand random neurons
firing.  That's like saying a computer program can make random
decisions by pouring hot tea on the CPU.
-- 

				Debbie does Daleks
				- Speaker