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We can conceptualize problems as discrete units to be solved and enumerated. But reality is dynamic and relational, and all problems are ultimately interrelated
by leepowers 10y ago
We can conceptualize problems as discrete units to be solved and enumerated. But reality is dynamic and relational, and all problems are ultimately interrelated somehow. It's that true discrete problem units are smaller and simpler than the whole. But this increases the overall work needed.
An example is sequencing the genome. This problem was solved much more quickly than anticipated due to advances in computer processing power. But it also revealed a huge new problem space of epigenetics. Complexity is emergent, not static and hierarchical. Progress is a tree, not a ladder.
- ThomPete 10y agoIt is emergents of simpler problems. My point (claim) is that a lot of the simpler problems are the same. It's only how and to what extent they are combined that they are of various complexity. So once you solve some of those simple problems in some problem spaces you can solve the same level of problems other places. In other words, you don't have to start over with every single problem. I am not saying it's always like that but I believe enough to make the singularity a realistic thing to plan for.