Even if a logically perfect language could be devised, the proposed program for investigating the ontological structure of the world by means of investigating the logical structure of an ideal language is impossible of fulfillment. For the project must have the following sequence: first, an ideal language must be set up, and then, through it, the metaphysical structure of the world is to be delivered. On this view, the construction of a logically perfect language is not an end in itself, but a means to the end of more general philosophical inquiry. I submit that this program cannot possibly be realized. — Language analysis and metaphysical inquiry.
The concept of Turing Computability applies to functions between sets of words in a formal language. We cannot apply that concept to the physical universe, without first defining such a function. I cannot think of any natural candidate for such a function in relation to the physical universe. — andrewk
In computer science and quantum physics, the Church–Turing–Deutsch principle (CTD principle) is a stronger, physical form of the Church–Turing thesis formulated by David Deutsch in 1985.[1] The principle states that a universal computing device can simulate every physical process. — Church–Turing–Deutsch principle
In principle, probably yes; but, assuming so, that '100% fidelity simulation' would require more computational resources (bytes, energy) than the universe within which it's running has (because the simulation would be doubling the simulated that supports it simulating). Anyway, I think Deutsch's point is that the universe itself is – physical laws are – quantum computable and therefore quantum Turing machines (by which simulations are possible) are themselves instantiations of fundamental physical laws.If it is true (and that would be a discussion unto itself) that one can simulate every physical process, then wouldn't the implication be that with a robust enough theory one could, according to David Deutsch, be able to simulate all the workings of the universe inside a computer? — Shawn
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