/sci/ - Science & Math

>>10082120
>no mathematical representation in physics truly models reality -- but only approximates it
any physicist worth his weight in salt knows that. only naive freshman-year physlets think otherwise

that being said, if you assume subatomic particles don't have minds because they follow mathematical rules, but people made up of atoms do have minds, then the inescapable conclusion is that arrangements of unthinking matter somehow can produce consciousness. Since we can model matter very precisely using math, it stands to reason a computer program in execution can somehow be conscious under certain circumstances, as absurd as that sounds.

Of course, we too are physical systems that can be described by unthinking equations. Perhaps consciousness is only a really good illusion of the 'universe experiencing itself', for lack of better words and scientific thought.

What fascinates me about the mind is that it is continuously changing, yet we maintain a sense of self that persists throughout our lives. How is a mind connected from moment to moment?

Some simple questions are: given a certain arrangement of matter that has a mind at some point in the spacetime, if that arrangement was recreated somewhere else in spacetime, would the minds be 'connected' like how are minds are connected from moment to moment?

Similarly, if you had a universe that consisted of two people with perfect mirror symmetry to start with, would their be two minds, or only one? If only one, would quantum effects break the symmetry eventually and give rise to two minds?

These questions are getting at 'what separates two minds'? Spacetime coordinates? A follow up is 'Is my mind the same as it was a moment ago?' (probably not, but clearly there is a connection since you maintain a sense of self, and don't find yourself waking up as someone else every morning).

Speaking of which, sleep is interesting because we suppress our mind temporarily every time we sleep.

Lots of questions...