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Random math doesn't imply intelligence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_30 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_30 is that shell intelligent? Wolfram has an a
by __s 6y ago
Random math doesn't imply intelligence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_30 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_30 is that shell intelligent?
Wolfram has an alright interview where he considers this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez773teNFYA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez773teNFYA
My own thoughts: intelligence is something which you need to observe predicting the future, ie something proactively reacting to the future in order to achieve a goal. This means ideally you have a bit of interaction so that you can see that you're interacting with is capable of learning in response to you
- jacobush 6y agoPrimes are not random math, and primes do not occur in astronomy sightings. https://modulouniverse.com/2015/02/16/prime-numbers-and-et/ https://modulouniverse.com/2015/02/16/prime-numbers-and-et/
- ben_w 6y agoIn an alternate reality where we observed prime numbers in space, I suspect we’d be telling ourselves they must have a natural cause in the same way we’re looking at dark matter and arguing what type of particle it is made of. And if we did decide it had to be aliens, the point is they don’t have to be intelligent to do prime numbers — they might be space cicadas who evolved to spread around Oort clouds by gathering enough uranium to go prompt-critical[0]. From the point of view of aliens looking at us if we detonated nukes in a prime sequence, the same arguments apply. [0] this is a reference to a novel or short story which I can’t remember enough details of to find on Google or DDG.
- jacobush 6y agoSpace cicadas would be pretty awesome too I think! If a species finds those and aren't delighted, I feel sorry for them. (At least the first time they find space cicadas.)