9 ms·
The lack of inspectability, it seems to me, would make quantum computing flat-out unacceptable in a variety of problem domains, including pretty much any decisi
by killjoywashere 8y ago
The lack of inspectability, it seems to me, would make quantum computing flat-out unacceptable in a variety of problem domains, including pretty much any decision support system. Not theoretically, so much as socially. In the way nuclear reactors are unacceptably risky to many who accept a far higher death toll associated with roofers falling to their deaths installing solar. Sure nuclear saves lives, but my aunt doesn't understand it and she finds it scary.
- Schiphol 8y agoI have a B. Eng. in chemical engineering, unlike "your auntie" I understand nuclear plenty, and still think, with most everyone else educated and uneducated alike, it's MUCH more dangerous than solar.
- demygale 8y agoI’m a big proponent of nuclear energy. The benefits far outweigh the risks. But solar power has never rendered an area of the planet uninhabitable, so I understand the concern.
- Fuzzy_Logic 8y agoSolar panels do come at an environmental cost, particularly in developing economies with little environmental regulation. https://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/02/chinas-solar-panel-production-comes-at-a-dirty-cost/ https://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/02/chinas-solar...
- killjoywashere 8y agoI have a degree in physics, am now a doctor studying cancer, lived on a nuclear aircraft carrier, and was sent to Japan to help with the Fukushima response. I'm not sure I agree about the danger of nuclear, but the lower energy levels involved in solar make it so much more politically attractive, there's not much sense in pursuing new civil nuclear production.
- chasingthewind 8y agoI think it's quite "rational" to find nuclear power far scarier than rooftop solar. The tail risk of nuclear power is Fukushima. I'm not even sure what the tail risk of rooftop solar would be. The average case outcome between these two isn't compelling for me.
- amarant 8y agostill, if you count lives lost per kwh produced, nuclear is the safest source of energy around. that's gotta count for something wish i had a better source handy, but this forbes article will have to do for now: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2012/06/10/energys-deathprint-a-price-always-paid/#2bc3eb2f709b https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2012/06/10/energys-d...