“Does it not follow that we should theoretically be able to construct a mathematical system within which transistors could exist?”
We could, but there would be so many mathematical systems with this property that finding the correct one would be hopeless.
Oh okay. I previously misunderstood your argument and thought you were saying it’s impossible, but I think we both agree that it’s possible to do this for consciousness.
I guess the definition of consciousness as constructed in my own head is broad enough to exist within many different systems (certainly almost any every system that contains computers, and that seems a broad enough set). So via the definition i’m working off of, it seems practical as well as possible.
I think we agree on plausibility, but disagree on practicality. Anyway, it’s been an unexpectedly enlightening conversation; I’m sad that you got downvoted (it wasn’t me!)
I know it wasn’t you—I’m fairly certain that there is someone who systematically goes through all my posts and gives them a single downvote. From what I’ve heard this happens to a lot of people.
Oh okay. I previously misunderstood your argument and thought you were saying it’s impossible, but I think we both agree that it’s possible to do this for consciousness.
I guess the definition of consciousness as constructed in my own head is broad enough to exist within many different systems (certainly almost any every system that contains computers, and that seems a broad enough set). So via the definition i’m working off of, it seems practical as well as possible.
I think we agree on plausibility, but disagree on practicality. Anyway, it’s been an unexpectedly enlightening conversation; I’m sad that you got downvoted (it wasn’t me!)
I know it wasn’t you—I’m fairly certain that there is someone who systematically goes through all my posts and gives them a single downvote. From what I’ve heard this happens to a lot of people.