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1.17 MB
Extraction Summary
4
People
1
Organizations
0
Locations
1
Events
1
Relationships
5
Quotes
Document Information
Type:
Essay / philosophical manuscript page
File Size:
1.17 MB
Summary
This document page, stamped with a House Oversight identifier, contains a philosophical essay titled 'Free Will Universe.' The text argues against determinism, using Andrew Wiles' mathematical discoveries as evidence of non-computational human thought, while contrasting this view with the deterministic philosophy of Daniel Dennett. It explores the implications of a determined universe modeled as a single algorithm or 'clockwork.'
People (4)
| Name | Role | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew Wiles | Mathematician |
Referenced for discovering the solution to Fermat's Last Theorem, demonstrating 'non-computational thought'.
|
| Daniel Dennett | Philosopher/Cognitive Scientist |
Described as the 'standard bearer' for determinists who believes the Universe is entirely determined.
|
| Alan Turing | Mathematician/Computer Scientist |
Referenced implicitly via 'Turing prohibits' regarding general-purpose machines.
|
| Unknown Author | Writer |
Uses the first person ('I believe...') to argue for a universe allowing free will.
|
Organizations (1)
| Name | Type | Context |
|---|---|---|
| House Oversight Committee |
Implied by the document stamp 'HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_016041'.
|
Timeline (1 events)
Historical Reference
Relationships (1)
Author argues against Dennett's deterministic view.
Key Quotes (5)
"I believe we live in a Universe where information comes into existence through the creative endeavors of human beings."Source
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Quote #1
"When Andrew Wiles discovered his solution to Fermat’s Last Theorem, he did something a computer cannot do and demonstrated non-computational thought."Source
HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_016041.jpg
Quote #2
"Daniel Dennett – the standard bearer for this camp – believes everything in the Universe is entirely determined."Source
HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_016041.jpg
Quote #3
"If the Universe is determined, it can be modeled as a single algorithm."Source
HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_016041.jpg
Quote #4
"This Universe could not discover solutions to arbitrary problems."Source
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Quote #5
Full Extracted Text
Complete text extracted from the document (1,690 characters)
Free Will Universe
I believe we live in a Universe where information comes into existence through the creative endeavors of human beings. When Andrew Wiles discovered his solution to Fermat’s Last Theorem, he did something a computer cannot do and demonstrated non-computational thought. But there is an alternative explanation put forward by the determined determinists.
Daniel Dennett – the standard bearer for this camp – believes everything in the Universe is entirely determined. He argues there is no place in the laws of nature for free will to arise.
Both sides of the argument agree Turing prohibits a general-purpose machine from solving all mathematical problems, but that seems to be the extent of agreement. The determinists solve the Wiles Paradox by arguing he is a special purpose machine, perfectly able to find answers to non-computable problems. The Turing prohibition only applies to general purpose machines. Let us run a thought experiment to see what sort of Universe we would live in if special purpose machines were the answer to this puzzle.
If the Universe is determined, it can be modeled as a single algorithm. If everything in the Universe evolves according to a set of rules, it will run like a giant piece of clockwork or one large computer game. Each solar system, planet, and individual mathematician would evolve along preordained lines. Mathematicians would operate as software subroutine and would rely on further subroutines to explain the beating of their hearts and the way the molecules of their body interact.
If our Universe were organized in this way:
This Universe could not discover solutions to arbitrary problems.
This Universe could not discover solutions to arbitrary problems.
HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_016041
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