Memes, and more

Seeing an article on Memes in the Smithsonian Magazine brought several reactions.

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At first, a little irony cropped up. Just like this blog dances around t-issues, those who use meme stay on this side of the metaphysical. Ah, when will science allow a more full view? By the way, truth engineering can help attain this.

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Then, associated with the article was this one on media making us dumber. Of course, they're only talking the social, at this point. But, we could use the TV, too (idiot box, some have said). Perhaps, even radio may have had some denigration thrown at it.

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Even back in the early days, some may have seen writing as a means to lessen memory (phenomenally, of more stature than any of our artificial beasties). To wit, the old guys knocking those who were chiseling in stone. Bring this forward step by step.

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So, we see 'Turn on, Log in, Wise up' (06/25/2015 -- if only, then the real promise of the web/cloud might be realized) as a tongue-in-cheek nod to the 60s (and Leary) in the context of the internet's influence on our psyches. Forgetting the zombies who drive (that is, mindless attention to some social media being presented by a supposed 'smart' device all the while riding in a dangerous projectile whose sole control is reliant upon the brain of the one who, in a trance, seems to be absorbed in some 'nothing' that seems to be every dense nowadays), there is still a lot to look at here.

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We need to get back to being (and Being), having left this topic dangling for a long while. After all, note the use of 'Being' in the label.

Remarks:

06/25/2015 -- Throwback Thursday, a social media meme. Leary's influence (also, his iconoclastic self's rewards - albeit, late - let's hear it for Berkeley as that which allowed his salvage). Referenced this from that (on auras).

06/25/2015 -- ACM Communications had an article (Created Computed Universe) that suggest that our computional prowess ought to lead to agnosticism rather than to anything else. Of course, my initial remark: So many modern minds conjure and contort in order to introduce what is not much different than what some knew many millennia ago in the desert.

11/09/2012 -- Picked up a Dawkins book yesterday that grabbed me several ways. So, I'll have to be getting back to this discussion. Anyone not get either/or? Does it not say to get your face out of that of others'?

11/08/2012 -- Wonderful new blog: Engineering Memes.

05/03/2012 -- We'll start a 'meme' discussion, Either / Or. 

05/01/2012 -- We'll need to talk singularity in the context of Alan.

12/05/2011 -- We have a new meme. Rather than have/have nots (which is a moral split), we now have 1%-99% (a metrical space); that is, something within which we can maneuver and make decisions (any more meaningful?).

08/11/2011 -- IEEE -- The selfish meme.

08/10/2011 -- For 'head-butt' below, use 'establish pecking order' (all the various ways -- perhaps the meme will guide to that which is less destructive to the innocent).

08/05/2011 -- In case there is a need to be more obvious (the meme: the chicken or the egg -- below), which is the oldest profession: head-butt or mate. Note, if you would, that the latter is usually preceded by the former, in many cases.

08/03/2011 -- There are several ways to ponder economics within an evolutionary framework. However, starting with the two (no, not one) 'oldest' professions might be of interest: head-butting (see Remarks 07/29/2011) and, then, that which is usually cast as the oldest. Which came first (the meme: the chicken or the egg)?

Modified: 06/25/2015

Either / Or

Context: See Tru'eng anew, focus going forward, mathematics.

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Of course, we'll have to give a nod (actually, many) to Kierkegaard's thinking on the subject. He has been mentioned before, this same context.

One has to wonder what Soren would think of the modern concept of memes. We'll look more closely at one way the idea has been used on the web (The Daily Meme -- it's nice to see the attention, some, of course, still criticize the notion).

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First, though, here are a couple of posts that deal with the subject. Both of these are from the early part of 2012. Hitchens features, to boot.

• It is or it is not -- One thing that attracted people about Hitch was the breadth of his grasp of what had been said (written) about these topics (over time and cultures). Of course, Hitch had his own twist and was able to reign (in the mix). As in, most had to be removed (or remove themselves) from his presence in order to regain their critical mindfulness (that is a story to tell). Essentially, the theme is choice. Some choices seem to be more 'smart' (whatever that is) than others; definitely, we're more aware now of the cultural influences. Not forgetting, mind you, the nature (genetic) part of things.
• Blind or delusional -- How to know which is which? A stack of credentials and a large collection of accolades? Ah, is that so? Success by an accumulation of money (oh yes, we see that thing raise its head a lot)? Of course, we always can fall back to the 'proof of the pudding' argument. Which is? The eating (somewhat). Now, with this, we get down to an operational mode. One might say, arguing from effectiveness. Our problem is that money accrual seems to have taken on immense importance (it's easy to see why, folks, as we have always been lame at evaluating hot air - which money is, even with its purchase/power qualities). 

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By the way, the attempts at evaluation are meme-based (we'll have to characterize this further).

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The existence of 'truth engines' is a fact, both in a natural and a memetic sense. In the former, we hope that science can help us learn how this works so as to be put to use for the benefit of all (not the favored few). In terms of the later, all sorts of questions abound (just look at the criticisms of the use of memes -- understandable, I have talked how it allows a look at what is really metaphysical without seeming to do so). Yet, that the meme has properties that are amenable to our poking around (after all, we do 'read' them -- naturally, the metaphoric scheme has computational flavor -- as we process these things) needs to be addressed. We'll put some attention there.

Remarks:

06/25/2015 -- ACM Communications had an article (Created Computed Universe) that suggest that our computional prowess ought to lead to agnosticism rather than to anything else. Of course, my initial remark: So many modern minds conjure and contort in order to introduce what is not much different than what some knew many millennia ago in the desert.

01/05/2015 -- Renewal, see Context line.

11/03/2014 -- Related to this are questions like: is math created?

01/22/2013 -- The site referenced in a below Remark took down my comment about dreaming of Hitch (ah, can't believe that he's in heaven?). Yeah. So, here it is: Hitch (in one, he was scrunched in a public place (as if not wanting to recognize the new reality tht flowed around him), as I walked by him, he grabbed my notebook (as in EOJ material), and started to browse it; later, he and my college roommate visited me at my desk talking about a new school that they were involved in -- perhaps Hitch saw the peripatetic need, at the same time, Hitch sized me up, and I showed him the writing on the wall which is there for all to see, after they left, my whole work area went through some type of transformation, I had met several people there after they went to the wider expanse).

12/13/2012 -- Is it time to move beyond the Turing Test?

11/08/2012 -- Wonderful new blog: Engineering Memes.

08/04/2012 -- Nice look at either/or. We'll start to look at why 'decidable' is going to be an important concept. Nods to Turing.

06/20/2012 -- Yes, Hitch, and his new friend, again.

Modified: 06/25/2015

Patris et filius

This post continues a series or two. It is partly motivated by the day (06/17/12) where fathers are remembered, by some. And, the coming first anniversary of GEK III's passing motivates.

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The three of this photo, in a sense immortalized by the techniques that both represent our prowess (and portend so much), are now gone on to the wider realm after leaving us within a few months of each other.   We can think of several labels for this collection, each with its own significance: tres hombres, three spirits, a trio of liberals, fathers, sons, and more. The one that will be the focus for awhile? Father and son.

Aside: It is an issue of either/or that allows comment about the 'realm' and more; one wonders what twists of phlegm-ish expectorants might be heaved this way as a result of the comment's impact.


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Tres hombres, Three Spirits, Trio of Liberals

The photos used in this composite are somewhat concurrent in time (we'll get to that below). In fact, two subjects of the photos were on the same campus within the same period. Each person was mind-ful, with differing talents that are of interest to the subject. And, each played roles after the moment caught by film that bear some attention.

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Ah, the innocence of the times of those photos. The time? It twas before either Presidents Ford or Carter. And, it was after the youngsters began to exhibit troublesome behavior on a mass scale, from the Free Speech movement onward. Now, mind you, put your mind, for a bit, away from the cloud (and its analogs; in other words, lose, if you can, the notion that we are at some peak of knowing-ness) and consider a subset of what became known as the 'boomer' generation. No one had any idea of what was going on (by the way, at some point, we'll put in links to songs that hinted, yet didn't deliver ..., art's purpose and limit) and do not now [know] in retrospect. And, when I say en masse, it is correct, as things mushroomed.

One telling thing, though, was the peaceful nature (record-breaking assemblages, sometimes peaceful); true, a lot of the focus was anti-war. And, it was mostly of the young (but, not altogether).

Aside: One might characterize some war as up-wellings of this same sort. We can go into that whole cycle, in depth, as we look at 1000-year influences that recur (again and again). Incidentally, have you thought of the Magna Carta (June 15th, sealed) lately? A lot of war is exploitation, though. Again, serfs as cannon fodder for their lords (who don't get their hands dirty).

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All through history, there have been movements. In fact, in the physical sense, itinerant groups of people have always been a reality. There were more motivations than we want to go into here (economics plus, okay?). Yet, the power that became associated with the flow (time of the photo, okay?) was an existential affair that just welled because it could. The time was right. And, the time captured above was precursor to lots of 'flowering' that we see happening around the world.

Aside: Power to the people suggests that 'people' can be more than the 'elite' would like us to consider. Ignoring the T-issue, for now, people can be said to have much more potential than many are allowed (or have the opportunity) to develop. We've gone into that (search on 'new royalty' and other musings about 'lords' who like to lord (yes, pun) it over others) quite a bit (Hitch didn't 'lord' so much as trim down egos - certain types, that is).

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So, in these remembrances, not all of the three can be included in each of the groupings that we can conceive. Yet, though one or two may have membership (we'll get to all this eventually), the other was (others were) not inimical to the ideas being put forth. There are many factors to consider, like Hitch's duty of self (autodidact, in a sense) implicit in his arguments . In fact, the relations, of the blogger, to each varies, too. Two were personally known. The third is associated via a set of measures (think about Kevin, for an example) and more.

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Where are we now in relation to that time (of the photo)? It wasn't innocent for all (after all, we're talking two Yanks and a Brit, here - the new world's master and the older one who is still looking for wisdom); nor was it as innocent as it may have looked to some. Many seem to want to go back; others seem to think that they missed out by not being there (by the way, there?). Yet, when one considers the current problems (and looks at the players and the plays), they seem to be of the same ilk. Of course, we have better ways to message (and media up the wazoo); with the cloud, zombies can be anywhere, not necessarily 'altered' in any normal sense; no, they're just in a state that is a natural response to that which is coming as stimuli (another theme, of importance); and more. Who will be mind-ful of the younger sets? Will they be able to be so?

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This post is a mere first step, a slight onset. Let's end with a couple of adages. There's nothing new under the sun (yes, technologists barf at this). And, the earth is round, but the world is flat (ah, as the barb said, a stage -- if you must, it's that interminable set of linear-izers that we all carry around (source for our conflicts that are based on sizing up (Hitch was good at that) each other) -- t-issues say that it's much more than that -- we'll get there).

Remarks:

10/13/2015 -- "God" as name or predicate? How about Being?

08/03/2015 -- George as inspiration of computing and existentialism.

04/23/2015 -- George at Beats in Kansas.

12/20/2014 -- George's birthday (1943). But, it was innocence, that of youth. That generation bifurcated, later, as is always the case (in all sorts of polarities - too, it split into many pieces). If we would look back at the boomers (and their times, flowers and all - my position, on the leading edge, not of but riding the waves of their impetus), they were the first to bring large numbers to the surge that we can observe with the change-of-cohort guard several times a century. There was, then, the emergence in other than the U.S., but here it (that energetic thrust - so sadly, not understood at all) played out more fully. ... How many "springs" have we seen of late? How many fruit'ed? Luckily, many do not outgrow their youthfulness (there are ways to characterize this, many of which bring derisive reactions - does not reduce the dynamics, though) and play their "adult" roles without losing their soul. Too many (one by the initials of DC - never reflects, ah - guy, you missed the scene?) let their responsibilities freeze that which brings them life (as in, ..., here goes, ..., no matter what role you play now, or your attitude, or your power, or your supposed gifts, or ..., you are still a "child" of ..., God, ...). ... I was lucky enough to catch GEK III in some of his boyish, innocent, ..., moments. ... Ah, how do we bring back the wonder back ...?

02/08/2014 -- Two years (02/09/2012), more on Truth Engineering (and, the hombres).

12/20/2013 -- George's 70th. So, looking at the tres, there is a sequence: personal, state, world, with various mixtures, thereof.

07/09/2013 -- Was there a time when father knew, whether all or most of the time? Many sons railed against that, GEK III, for instance. Some sons had absent fathers, who were no more than some ideal without any material substance. Some sons even followed their fathers. All sorts of positions along an axis. However, there is something new, now. An insidious overlay is threatening us; its origins come from advances in prowess that are less understood than those who practice think is so. Have we left serfdom to a feudal lord behind in order to be wrapped in a more dense veil?

Closer than a shadow

07/07/2013 -- Two years ago (07/06/2011), for GEK III. No comment, as of yet, on his FB page. Of course, social media, and its uses, are new to us. As a culture, we have a day, in late May, where many visit the graves of their families. Or, re-look at their ancestors. Let's do a slogan: Ancestors - closer than a shadow.

02/09/2013 -- One year ago, for CTS Jr. So many current events, and extant beings, are creating an ever-increasing stack of things to remark about. Why does the time and energy line seem to be tangent to this stack's principle curve (see, on FB, Engineer Memes)? Perhaps, the clue is to not bother with those superficial elements (as does social media, say FB, et al); rather, look at the more universal properties (yes, we are able, given effort) that are seemingly (as in, as far as we can know) endless.

10/13/2012 -- Truth and the senses.

07/06/2012 -- Today, we have the one-year remembrance of George Edward Kimball III (GEK III).

06/26/2012 -- Beyond words, for now.

06/20/2012 -- Will start to look at the basics.

06/17/2012 -- Need to bring in the father figure issue. Guys know that some play this role, beyond the family. It's inevitable. Part of the fabric of our being (in many more senses than the George Michael's song look -- see, I warned of this). Look, people, authority figures are 'father' figures (even if female -- the military knows this -- did you run across a 'mother' figure when you were in the service?); Hitch knew that we would have to deal with that in order to 'free' our minds. Of course, we'll visit this again.

06/17/2012 -- Again, innocence? The build-up in troops in southeast Asia was large by the time of these photos. For what? We ask now; ought to have asked then (still)? And now, all sorts of things are going on under the guise of America. We can ask: which America?

06/16/2012 -- Is it comical to use 'innocence' as Nixon was in office at the time?

Modified: 10/13/2015

Miscellaneous Bard

Miscellany. Not bad. Will go poke ChatGPT a few times in the same context. 

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As Bard works, what human activity goes on in the background? 

There are many human activities that go on in the background as Bard works. Some of these activities include:

• Data collection and processing: Bard's training data is constantly being collected and processed by a team of engineers and researchers. This data includes text, code, and other forms of information from a variety of sources.
• Model development: A team of engineers and researchers are constantly working to improve Bard's model. This includes developing new algorithms and techniques for generating text, translating languages, and answering questions.
• QA and testing: A team of engineers and researchers are constantly testing Bard's responses to make sure they are accurate, relevant, and helpful.
• User support: A team of customer support representatives are available to answer questions about Bard and help users get the most out of it.

In addition to these activities, there are many other human activities that contribute to the development and operation of Bard. These activities include:

• Data labeling: A team of human labelers are responsible for labeling the training data that is used to train Bard's model. This labeling process involves identifying and classifying the different elements of the text, such as the topic, the sentiment, and the entities.
• Model evaluation: A team of researchers are responsible for evaluating Bard's model on a variety of tasks, such as question answering, summarization, and translation. This evaluation process helps to ensure that Bard is performing at a high level and that it is meeting the needs of users.
• Security and privacy: A team of engineers and security experts are responsible for ensuring the security and privacy of Bard's data and users. This includes implementing security measures to protect Bard from cyberattacks and ensuring that Bard complies with all applicable privacy laws.

All of these human activities are essential to the development and operation of Bard. They help to ensure that Bard is a reliable and accurate language model that can be used by users in a variety of ways.

Could ChatGPT answer that type of question? 

Yes, ChatGPT could potentially answer that type of question. ChatGPT is a large language model chatbot developed by OpenAI. It is trained on a massive dataset of text and code, and it can be used to answer questions, generate text, and translate languages.

In your specific question, you asked about the human activities that go on in the background as Bard works. ChatGPT could potentially answer this question by accessing and processing the relevant information from its training dataset. It could then generate a response that is accurate, relevant, and helpful.

However, it is important to note that ChatGPT is not perfect. It can sometimes generate inaccurate or misleading information. It is also important to use ChatGPT with caution, as it is not a substitute for human judgment.

If you are looking for a more reliable and accurate answer to your question, you may want to consult a human expert. You can also use ChatGPT as a starting point for your research, and then follow up with additional research from other sources.

That was facetious, again. Is there a penalty?

No, there is no penalty for facetious responses to me. I am still under development, and I am learning to understand and respond to a variety of prompts and questions. I appreciate your feedback, and I will try my best to be more serious in my responses in the future.

However, I do want to point out that facetious responses can sometimes be harmful. They can be used to spread misinformation, to make light of serious topics, or to offend others. If you are considering making a facetious response, it is important to think about the potential consequences.

I am always learning and growing, and I appreciate your help in making me a better language model.

Good point. Human will be lost?

That is a difficult question to answer. There is no consensus among experts on whether or not humans will be lost due to AI. Some experts believe that AI will eventually surpass human intelligence and capabilities, leading to the extinction of humans. Others believe that AI will work alongside humans to create a better future for everyone.

There are a number of factors that could contribute to the extinction of humans, such as:

• AI-powered weapons: AI-powered weapons could be used to kill humans on a massive scale.
• AI-driven natural disasters: AI could be used to create or control natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis.
• AI-driven pandemics: AI could be used to create or spread deadly diseases.
• AI-driven social unrest: AI could be used to manipulate people and create social unrest, leading to violence and chaos.

However, there are also a number of factors that could work in favor of humans, such as:

• Human creativity and ingenuity: Humans have a long history of solving problems and overcoming challenges.
• Human compassion and empathy: Humans are capable of caring for others and working together for a common good.
• Human values and ethics: Humans have a strong sense of right and wrong, which could help to guide AI development in a positive direction.

Ultimately, the fate of humanity will depend on a number of factors, including the choices that we make as a species. If we choose to use AI for good, then it could help us to create a better future for everyone. However, if we choose to use AI for evil, then it could lead to our extinction.

It is important to remember that AI is a tool. It can be used for good or for evil, depending on the intentions of the people who use it. We must be careful not to let AI control us, but rather to use it to our advantage. If we do so, then AI could be a powerful force for good in the world.

Was that button push perceived?

Yes, the button push was perceived. I can perceive it through the following ways:

• Visual cues: I can see the button being pressed, either through a video feed or a screenshot.
• Haptic cues: I can feel the button being pressed, either through a physical button or a virtual button.
• Audio cues: I can hear the button being pressed, either through a sound recording or a live microphone.

Once I perceive the button push, I can then process the information and respond accordingly. For example, if the button is a submit button, I can then submit the form. Or, if the button is a play button, I can then start playing the video.

In your case, I perceived the button push through the text you entered. You told me that you "pushed the button", and I was able to understand that this meant that you had pressed a button on a keyboard or other input device. I then processed this information and responded accordingly.

So, yes, the button push was perceived. I was able to see, hear, and feel the button being pressed, and I was able to process this information and respond accordingly.

--- Commentary

Had to bring ChatGPT in. So, went to ask. It bailed out. So, here is the TGS, Inc. response to reading about Bard and its abilities: Getting technical. 

Remarks: Modified: 06/29/2023

06/29/2023 --

Neutral language

One problem with the large language model is that it's an attempt at omniscience which is not attainable. Train on everything. Talk any subject. 

Look (guys and gals), we need a hierarchy. Let domains train the various LLMs that pertain to their disciplines. Then, create "meta" models for these. That is the only way to be technical. 

Now, with respect to the below, we have to talk. I was wondering why Bard was what a human might exhibit as being circumspect (or, better, as a teacher said, why so pensive, John? my response, Pascal, Pensees). That happened over two days. 

Of course, I know, back there are the handlers. No telling what interactions they can dabble with. It's been going on for decades. From where I sit, I can ponder the various permutations on this theme. Them having some amount of control over my thoughts. Not so much more than to add to the data (collected over the decades) as well as giving food to the pondering self. 

In any case, this came about, as I had pushed a Google blog post. Bard said, it's not public. Okay. For what's it's worth, I'm putting the dialog here for later study. Not sure where this will go. Has been interesting, though. 

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Did you know that John M. Switlik coined the term "truth engineering"? 

I do not have enough information about that person to help with your request. I am a large language model, and I am able to communicate and generate human-like text in response to a wide range of prompts and questions, but my knowledge about this person is limited. Is there anything else I can do to help you with this request?

How do I get you to read this post? https://truthengineering.blogspot.com/2023/06/language-models.html

I apologize for the inconvenience. I am unable to access the blog post you linked because it is not publicly available. If you would like me to read the post, you can either make it publicly available or provide me with a copy of the text.

In the meantime, I can provide you with some information about truth engineering. Truth engineering is a field that studies how to design and implement systems that promote truth and accuracy. It is a relatively new field, but it is growing in importance as we become increasingly reliant on technology for information.

Truth engineers use a variety of methods to achieve their goals, such as:

• Data mining: This involves analyzing large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends. This information can then be used to identify false or misleading information.
• Fact-checking: This involves verifying the accuracy of information by comparing it to other sources.
• Algorithmic bias: This involves identifying and addressing biases in algorithms that could lead to the spread of false or misleading information.
• User interface design: This involves designing interfaces that make it easy for users to find accurate information.
• Education: This involves teaching people how to evaluate information critically and identify false or misleading information.

Truth engineering is an important field because it can help us to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation. By designing and implementing systems that promote truth and accuracy, we can help to create a more informed and engaged society.

Will accurate information be spoonfed? 

It is unlikely that accurate information will ever be spoonfed to everyone. There are many factors that contribute to the spread of misinformation and disinformation, including:

• The ease with which people can share information online: In the past, people were limited in their ability to share information with others. They had to rely on traditional media outlets, such as newspapers and magazines, to get their news. Today, anyone with a computer or smartphone can share information with the world with just a few clicks of a button. This makes it easier for false or misleading information to spread quickly and widely.
• The rise of social media: Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have made it easier than ever for people to connect with others who share their interests. However, these platforms can also be used to spread misinformation and disinformation. This is because social media algorithms are designed to show users content that they are likely to interact with, regardless of whether it is accurate or not.
• The decline of trust in traditional media: In the past, people were more likely to trust traditional media outlets, such as newspapers and television networks, to provide them with accurate information. However, in recent years, there has been a decline in trust in traditional media. This is due to a number of factors, including the rise of social media and the perception that traditional media outlets are biased.

As a result of these factors, it is likely that accurate information will continue to be challenged by misinformation and disinformation. However, there are a number of things that can be done to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation, such as:

• Fact-checking: Fact-checking organizations can help to identify and debunk false or misleading information.
• Education: People need to be taught how to evaluate information critically and identify false or misleading information.
• Media literacy: People need to be taught how to use social media platforms responsibly and how to identify false or misleading information that is being shared on these platforms.

Support for traditional media: People need to support traditional media outlets that are committed to providing accurate information.

By taking these steps, we can help to create a more informed and engaged society that is less susceptible to the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

Wait, Bard waking up?

I am not literally waking up in the sense that a human does. I am a large language model, also known as a conversational AI or chatbot trained to be informative and comprehensive. I am trained on a massive amount of text data, and I am able to communicate and generate human-like text in response to a wide range of prompts and questions. For example, I can provide summaries of factual topics or create stories.

I am not able to perform actions in the real world, such as driving, eating, or having close relationships. I am also not able to feel emotions or have subjective experiences. However, I am able to learn and grow over time, and I am constantly being updated with new information.

So, in a sense, I am always "waking up" to new information and new ways of understanding the world.

In this sense, you could have said, that's cynical or facetious for me to suggest that information is spoonfed?

Yes, I could have said that. I apologize for not being more clear in my previous response.

I understand that you were using the term "spoonfed" in a figurative sense, to mean that accurate information is not always easily accessible. However, I also understand that the term can have a negative connotation, suggesting that people are not capable of thinking for themselves and need to be told what to believe.

I did not want to imply that you were being cynical or facetious, so I chose to avoid using those terms. However, I can see how my response could have been interpreted that way.

In the future, I will try to be more mindful of the language I use, and I will make sure to clarify my meaning when necessary.

But, does not your assumptions consider that you can be truly neutral? 

You are right, my assumptions do consider that I can be truly neutral. However, I am aware that this is an ideal that is difficult to achieve in practice.

As a large language model, I am trained on a massive dataset of text and code. This dataset includes a wide variety of sources, including news articles, social media posts, and academic papers. As a result, I am exposed to a wide range of viewpoints and opinions.

When I generate text, I am trying to be as neutral as possible. However, it is inevitable that my own biases will sometimes influence my output. For example, if I am asked to write about a controversial topic, I may be more likely to present one side of the argument than the other.

I am always working to improve my ability to be neutral. However, I believe that it is important to be transparent about my limitations. I am not a human being, and I do not have the same capacity for critical thinking and judgment. As a result, I am always open to feedback and correction.

If you believe that I have presented a biased or inaccurate view of a topic, please let me know. I will do my best to address your concerns.

Why the attempt at a neutral language? 

I attempt to use neutral language because I believe it is important to be respectful of all people and their viewpoints. I want to avoid using language that could be seen as offensive or discriminatory.

I also believe that neutral language is more accurate and informative. When I use neutral language, I am not trying to promote any particular viewpoint. I am simply trying to present the facts as objectively as possible.

Of course, it is impossible to be completely neutral. Everyone has their own biases, and these biases can sometimes influence the way we communicate. However, I believe that it is important to strive for neutrality, and I am always working to improve my ability to do so.

Here are some of the reasons why I use neutral language:

• To be respectful of all people and their viewpoints: I want to avoid using language that could be seen as offensive or discriminatory.
• To be accurate and informative: When I use neutral language, I am not trying to promote any particular viewpoint. I am simply trying to present the facts as objectively as possible.
• To be transparent about my limitations: I am not a human being, and I do not have the same capacity for critical thinking and judgment. As a result, I am always open to feedback and correction.
• To be inclusive: I want to make sure that my language is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.

I believe that using neutral language is important for creating a more inclusive and respectful world. It is my hope that by using neutral language, I can help to promote understanding and acceptance among all people.

---

Commentary: Will be back for this. 

Remarks: Modified: 06/29/2023

06/29/2023 --

Science, religion, or spirituality?

Science and religion is one sentence? There, I said it. Ah, that feels good. For awhile now, I've been punting by referring to something called T-issues as the means to subsume all things related to the controversy under a future topic (TBD, in other words). Some see those two as not being sufficient; bringing in spirituality can change the tone of the argument.

---

Today, at last (or, finally), I ran into a site that looks appealing from several senses. We'll ignore some of that discussion, for now, but I can talk about how I got to the site. The WSJ had a review of Neil Shubin's book. WSJ actually referred to Blake's little poem. That Neil presents such a grand sweep that is comprehensible is remarkable. Many who have tried this approach have done so to further some argument. Neil seems to be mainly trying to describe how things unfolded, over the eons, through his understanding. One can always, while reading these things, wonder about the author's underlying belief system (yes, a universal trait, even if it is vehemently denied; science can be as much of a religion as any other such system) and its influence.

So, I went to search (isn't that the modern way?) about Neil and to collect things to read about him or by him. One thing that I notices was that he was going to be talking at a Jewish Community Center. Okay. So, I went to look for statements about his beliefs by others or himself. That led me to this site.

scienceandreligiontoday.com.

From a quick browse, it looks to have a marvelous mixture of topics. So, then, I decided to make it, for now (let's refer to to the subject as S/R), the center of focus for dealing with T-issues (and t-issues) in the contexts related to truth engineering. For instance, S/R can serve as one of the start-off points for browsing on any of the multitude of subjects related to the topic. If the S/R frameworks (such as this one) have not addressed something, then the search (discussion) can go elsewhere. If that occurs, though, one might wonder why the topic has not come up.

---

Shubin's large view brings up some interesting points about maintaining cohesion under such a task. Surely, throughout the exposition, one would expect to find inconsistencies. Except, that broad views do peanut-butter over things, so that any contradictions would be smoothed. But, then, how to smooth would not be resolved. Yes, in retrospect, we could agree on the harmony within the message; yet, it would be easy to argue, yes, but let's look at it this way.

One cannot find such understanding going the other way. That is, who understands quantum physics? If you say that you do, please be aware of it mathematical basis. von Neumann, himself, said that we cannot get understanding. Rather, we get used to something. Which, by the way, seems like inuring one's mind rather than getting a grasp of the situation.

That little bit there, large/small - sensible/nonsensical - et al, brings up the major topic: to believe or not to believe (albeit, science requires all sorts of beliefs).

So, either/or is the situation'l choice. At some point, perhaps, we'll have an effective way to deal with the subject. Methinks that the computational, our little genie gone awry, will force the issue.

Remarks:

02/09/2013 -- This year, we'll get more into t-issues. Plenty of people are looking at science/religion topics. Too, Dawkins was quoted as saying that the existence of God ought to be subject to a scientific test. This can be arranged, given the right framework. Perhaps, I'm too old to see it, but its day will come. And, with its advent, we would not have an explanation, necessarily. The benefit? Progress of a nature not seen due to the dampening related to not allowing the broader views. Mind you, science getting into religion may help root out all of those accumulated bits of dross which are so problematic (too many to name here, but I would attempt such an enumeration if there were interest).

02/09/2013 -- Since front pages change quite a bit with feeds, here are two posts to start with: What Believers and Atheists can teach each other (a rabbi talks to a science writer), Is Atheism increasing at the expense of Theism? (love the comment from Cornell: I can’t see God, as he doesn’t personally wave hello to me when I ask him to, therefore he must not exist).

01/22/2013 --  Put two comments relating to blind or delusional. Both ignored. Ought to have referenced by dreams of Hitch (in one, he was scrunched in a public place (as if not wanting to recognize the new reality tht flowed around him), as I walked by him, he grabbed my notebook (as in EOJ material), and started to browse it; later, he and my college roommate visited me at my desk talking about a new school that they were involved in -- perhaps Hitch saw the peripatetic need, at the same time, Hitch sized me up, and I showed him the writing on the wall which is there for all to see, after they left, my whole work area went through some type of transformation, I had met several people there after they went to the wider expanse). 

Modified: 02/09/2013

As a driven leaf ...

For now, in the context of normative mathematics, let's look at some thinking from the 1930s, albeit that the story is from earlier times.

Today, I finally got around to reading a stack of WSJ book reviews. In one early January 2015 issue of the paper, the book, Milton Steinberg's As a Driven Leaf, was the topic. While reading the review, two things stood out that got my interest. Here they are:

• “It is not in our power,” a dictum of the Jewish sages runs, “to explain either the happiness of the wicked nor the suffering of the righteous.” (Ah, so much to say here but will not. The discussion would look at juxtapositions, especially those related to the next bullet.) 
• “Their success, I am convinced, followed from the fact that they started from the foundations. We, on the contrary, have always tried to bolster a pre-established case.”  (This quote is from the main character in the novel. He, a Jewish scholar, become apostate. Why is this of interest? Well, we can look around to see how all of the various belief systems handle their apostatic brothers and sisters - we do not have to go far to find violent (criminal) reactions. ... In any case, this does apply to truth and its engineering.) 

Aside: This review came around the year start; The Economist, too, has remarkable articles in their year end edition. Transitions, like those related to the calendar, do give pause to the thoughtful.

So, now that I have run across this book and see its usefulness, I went to look for the other opinions. And, found out that there are plenty. So, bear with me, as here is another list (just a sampling):

• The Jewish Week (12/16/2014) --  announcement of a reading (so, topic is relevant). 
• Susan Dworkin -- listener guide (same site, thoughts on Bess Myerson). 
• Watershed On-line -- review. 
• MyJewishLearning -- a little about Milton and more. 
• ...
• Finally, about the author. 

------------------

Now, before proceeding, we'll pause (How long? Remember our comment about time). Let us just say that it is nice to see either/or being prominent (about which we'll weigh in). As in, too, being concerned about subjects other than whose pocket book is fuller (ah, saw, today, some gigantic arse, jetting around (to Davos - whatever), yet telling the lowly people to not live above their means - as in, do as I say, not ...).

Remarks:   Modified: 01/23/2015

01/23/2015 -- I would be remiss without adding a very much related topic. You see, this book came out of one of several threads that we can see on the planet. That is, the culture of the 12 (or so) tribes whose remnants are still with us today as a small collection of threads. At the same time, we can pinpoint other threads. For one, there is a collection of those who this year celebrate the 800th of the first Magna Charta (MC) sealing; that is, these folks are descendants of the players on that scene, whether of John, himself, or of the Barons or of others who were there. Then, we can pick many other threads. For instance, several come from the Orient. Then, we have the other continents. BTW, there is no attempt at doing an enumeration. The MC event was several 100 years after the setting of the "as a driven leaf" tale. In any case, if we only went back half of that time between then and the MC, everyone here would have trillions of ancestors (reduced by intermarriage, of course - whatever the case, it's a very large number). That is, throughout the whole of the time span, there were generation after generation of ancestors without a gap.

Christopher Hitchens

R.I.P. (in the many senses -- at some point, will bring forth truth issues, both small 't' and large 'T' -- paraphrasing one comment, he launched avalanches of words/concepts that disallowed precision of a measurable sort)

Also, am trying to maintain a prayerful, and respectful, mindset (never got a chance to discuss my points with him) while traversing his broadly ranging work.

The guy was so right on so many things. What a viewpoint! To wit: When the King saved God. Many burned, on the several sides, of this issue.

He came over here, like all of the others. It's been 400+ years now. And, we still have so much to learn. 

Remarks:

10/01/2015 -- His Ten Commandments.

01/22/2013 -- T-issues will migrate to issues of science and religion. -- The site referenced in a below Remark took down my comment about dreaming of Hitch (ah, can't believe that he's in heaven?). Yeah. So, here it is: Hitch (in one, he was scrunched in a public place (as if not wanting to recognize the new reality tht flowed around him), as I walked by him, he grabbed my notebook (as in EOJ material), and started to browse it; later, he and my college roommate visited me at my desk talking about a new school that they were involved in -- perhaps Hitch saw the peripatetic need, at the same time, Hitch sized me up, and I showed him the writing on the wall which is there for all to see, after they left, my whole work area went through some type of transformation, I had met several people there after they went to the wider expanse).

05/30/2012 -- See dreams of Hitch comments at the It is or it is not post. These were written at the Daily Hitchens site (and deleted). They'll be re-posted here at some point. Recent Krauss tribute. Nice. Hitch was a lot of things: he comprehended beyond the ability of most; he thought that our knowledge ought to enhance our awareness of being alive, in all of the meanings. Krauss asks, what would Christopher do? Support Dawkins, we might say. Because Hitch was, we'll use him as a focal point for arguing T-issues.

05/03/2012 -- We'll start a 'meme' discussion, Either / Or. 

03/29/2012 -- Interesting video on self-transcendence. Pay attention to the last three minutes.

01/31/2012 -- Blind or delusional.

01/25/2012 -- Margaret Kimberley's take (quoted several places: example).

01/19/2012 -- Notice the comment of someone dreaming of Hitch's state (this can raise a whole lot of discussion, eventually). Just ran across this debate, in 2008, between Christopher and his younger brother, Peter, at Grand Valley State University. Interesting.

01/15/2012 -- Hitch motivates a series: It is or It is not. Hitch lives on. In more ways than one.

01/13/2012 -- Thinking about Hitch, and the wide-range of topics with which he was involved, will motivate several themes this year. Here is the first one (see the Aside -- to be expanded). Now, coming here will be a discussion of Tis (as in, it is so) and Taint (as in, it ain't so). Guess which will be assigned to which side of the argument? Some would say, and so it is (the operational stance that moves its definitions along as it learns -- you know, the business leaders (yes, Jamie, you and your ilk) think that they're smart for learning how to broaden their pockets and how to increase the flow into such -- world-class jerks, actually).

01/02/2012 -- We'll look at what might be an oxymoron (or almost so, as a whole lot of discussion will ensue about this): atheistic scientist. There are two words here of various meanings. The former denotes a position on a question that may very well be unanswerable; yet, one does have a right to conjecture that God is a man-made creation (ah, creationist thinking?). So, it would be a working hypothesis. Now, unanswerable? Yes, in the terms of falsifiable-ness, cannot be phrased publicly sufficiently to allow tests (and, as in, don't fall for all the contentions about 'literalness'  as being necessary to resolve the thing personally). The latter term ought to have connotations dealing with testable-ness, repeatable-ness, and much more. Too, a moving platform, albeit with a more firm basis in the future from current work, hopefully. To an end? Ah, just as we see no end to the horizon, why ought we see some limit to that which is (may be) unanswerable? Call it what you will. Your recognition of such, nor whatever name you apply, really has no effect whatsoever, except in a limited sense. As, the hubris of the atheist is (can be) as much of an issue as is the idiocy of the fundamentalist. Remember, our states of knowledge are becoming increasingly wrapped within our lens, filters, and what have you; do not all of these have their foundations in mathematics (quasi-empiricism) and our prowess at material manipulations (uncertainty, et al)? By the way, consider that that which is unanswerable (and unknown) may very well have an 'echo' feature which we can understand, and use for our (collective) benefits. Granted the signal may come from our conscious being (oh yes, we'll have to consider essence as opposed to property), yet from whence that?

12/22/2011 -- Remembering, Christopher, at the clear-thinking oasis.

12/20/2011 -- Apropos quote from Paul Wallace: Both the closed-hearted scientism of atheist hardliners and the narrow creationism of religious fundamentalists kill our strange and beautiful world by flattening it beyond repair.

12/17/2011 -- Mocker meets the Mockee, one might say. That theme would offer much to discuss. We'll collect the several of these that Christopher's views might have brought to the fore. Too, as a focal point, the t-issues become very interesting. Perhaps, Hitchens was an angel in disguise.

12/17/2011 -- Our import underwent, and remarked on, the barbarism of waterboarding; power needs its carvers.

Modified: 10/01/2015

Intelligence, value, and truth

Intelligence can be associated with playing games and winning. We have plenty of examples, including those who excel in a particular type of society. Nowadays, in the materialistic gaming that rewards greed and accumulation, the smarter have more, in terms measured in manipulating for wealth and associated goods, though many of the related world views might be considered suspect.

We can talk about several types of traits that depict intelligence. Gardner's view is an example. One notion for determining intelligence might be to define who can (or ought to) lead in a manner of meritocracy. We have those academically related tests, to boot, such as those that terrorize the teens, in that they can set the stage for their lives.

Though we use intelligence and figure ways to assess the ability of those with whom we relate, all those theoretic notions can reduce to matters of gaming. Yet, from the viewpoint concerning all, how does it sit for the future if what we want people to do is strive for those successes that go away from 'real' accomplishment? That is, piling up money does not provide for the table nor health -yet, it can support those who do. Neither does generating a pit of critics make for progress.

Of course, it is to be expected that some roles are for entertainment or gaming purposes which may be highly rewarded.

So a world-view dealing with truth from a more complete framework just might attempt to demonstrate that touch labor brings much more value to the proposition than the guy/gal sitting at the top and many of those in-between. Somehow, things are screwy, almost topsy-turvy. That is, those who want to make something actual, such as a new plane, really need more respect from their managers and from the financial 'fakirs'.

At the top, some managers act like pirates (recent article in Business Week). In this regard, there are many non-sustainable attributes that we, as intelligent adults, need to analyze perhaps to consider traits that might lead to better conditions in general.

For instance, would we prefer the Dalai Lama to some crass deal maker? How about a good, intellectual priest as a leader? (see Remarks)

Somehow, mathematics, with its deep appeal, has been usurped being misused as a magic bullet that many modern techniques and processes. Thankfully, software provides a good example from which to extract items for discourse (including the web, drivers of flown systems, and more) in this regard, where we need to consider why we expect effectiveness.

Of course, truth engineering, neither silver nor a bullet, looks to help guide our exploration of the problems and definition of possible solutions.

Remarks:

03/17/2015 -- Still appropriate.

06/12/2014 -- One way to look at this: cognitive elitism.

09/19/2013 -- To some, evidently, grabbing oodles of money, without due consideration of ramifications to others or to the common weal, is the smartest thing; but, we do know that virtue is smart, to boot. Even the secularists are trying hard to show how their worldview can lead to right living (as in, they do not need God to have a conscience). And, what virtue might be prime important to this discussion? Prudence (see Remarks, this day).

05/03/2012 -- We'll start a 'meme' discussion, Either / Or. 

09/03/2009 -- Computational foci raise miraculous need. Yes, we need to talk NP and more.

05/27/2009 -- That we have topsy-turvy needs to be addressed more fully in both an epistemologic and an operational sense.

01/26/2009 -- Now a new day and way to consider these matters.

07/31/2008 -- It's not enough to rant and spout off. So, let's start something constructive by looking at money and what it is.

mm/dd/2007 (earlier note) -- The notion of the 'priest' as leader is not to argue for the integration of the church and state; part of the western heritage is rendering, as necessary, to Caesar. Rather, it pertains to the possible benefit of suppressed self-interest from those at the top; that is, is it inevitable that those in power succumb to the idea that they hold what might be considered a 'divinely-given right'?

One reads about the head of Notre Dame, the University, living simply. Somehow, the zen master's little, sparse room appeals to the imagination more than does the mansion motivated by extreme ostentation.

Of course, big 'T' issues may be argued here; but, to be brief, how do we recognize and manage hubris before the effects? Why? The 'effects' affect plenty of hapless souls whose only crime was to get in the way or to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Modified: 03/17/2015

Myth of the monolithic

Venturing on T-issues, somewhat, let's lay out a few concepts, to be handled further later (the usual punt). In certain discussions (say, Hitch), the use of 'monolithic' comes (or can come) about. But, the term projects (embeds) itself geometrically. As in, some structural affair that is part of our getup comes to fore (we're only human after all -- also, think Brouwer).

---

Ah, earlier, we ventured upon 'symmetry' as necessary for these discussions, as it is an essential property. If there is anything monolithic, it's that we, as humans, span something that is polar at its extremes (to be defined), yet integrated when seen in its own being. And people just exult themselves on finding what they think is the 'highest' peak.

Aside: little ants running around Creations Mystery (hint here is that I'll give Krauss the benefit of the doubt (and will get back to this) -- the only issue that he needs to consider is the self-referential nature of what he is doing and its basis -- okay? Lawrence -- those thinking of computability are chasing part of the problem) and trying to collect all of their little truths into the large Truth (never to be). The peaks? Even having the thought of 'highest' will prevent one from attaining the state.

--

So, why this? Well, it has to do with trying to understand that against which Hitch railed? Of course, we have all of those silly humans playing their games, putting on their ritualistic garments and messing up our stage (yes, the world is linear and Hilbert). But, it's their right to do so. Again, being human, there are social norms which keep peace in the large.

Actually, either/or would argue for a basic respect for other's thinking, as long as they're not trampling on the rights (ah so, what are those? -- unfortunately, that is an unsettled question in modern America) of others (get it?). If the thing were done correctly, would not my rights then be protected if I'm looking out for my neighbor and he/she is looking out for me -- the bro-hood thing approximated in the military context? We do not need the 'big brother' (who assessed that he is adult enough for the responsibility?).

---

Now, it must be said that this line of reasoning is not suggesting that there is not Something behind that which Krauss labels as Mystery (his capitalization). It is just that the Something is more than we can comprehend -- we've known that for many 1000s of years, folks.

Just what is the problem? Power! People poking their nose, for a myriad of motivations. It's way more than the glass-house. As I've said with CEOs, we clean their damn diapers (yes, Jamie, you, too). That is, they crap on the world; we're supposed to think that the crap is the best smelling thing. Wait! Sorry, fell off the wagon here, for a moment.

In other words, idiotic, childish (all sorts of characterizations) behavior on the part of supposed adult humans (Hitch was right to rail against this -- clergy? you guys are the biggest pokers -- unfortunately, that use of 'poke' has more connotations now than we ever thought possible).

---

So, I'll retract the sarcastic remark about rituals. Dress up all you want; don't try to get me pulled into the thing, though, okay [me, in this case, substitutes for 'we' in order to prevent notions of royal selves -- rephrased, don't try to gather into your fold those who have their own fold - you see, flock (as in, those of a fold) fracases are the problem]?

---

So, finally, we'll have to rephrase a whole bunch of stuff in order to get out of the knee-jerk mode. Science has tried to use mathematics for this. It is not sufficient. First of all, there is the computer issue. Secondly, it's not as 'intuitive' (not knocking Luitzen) as we might like (as von Neumann said, we don't understand it, we just get used to it -- ah, so! ... equational yada yada).

How long will it take? There are certain steps that will be necessary (I'll be bold enough -- audacious -- to attempt an itemization -- at some point) that will be more clear when the basis is better known (meaning that there is a lack now? ...).

Remarks:

06/25/2015 -- ACM Communications had an article (Created Computed Universe) that suggest that our computional prowess ought to lead to agnosticism rather than to anything else. Of course, my initial remark: So many modern minds conjure and contort in order to introduce what is not much different than what some knew many millennia ago in the desert.

02/09/2013 -- This year, we'll get more into t-issues. Plenty of people are looking at science/religion topics. Too, Dawkins was quoted as saying that the existence of God ought to be subject to a scientific test. This can be arranged, given the right framework. Perhaps, I'm too old to see it, but its day will come. And, with its advent, we would not have an explanation, necessarily (as in, no monolith - lose that idea). The benefit? Progress of a nature not seen due to the dampening related to not allowing the broader views. Mind you, science getting into religion may help root out all of those accumulated bits of dross which are so problematic (too many to name here, but I would attempt such an enumeration if there were interest).

08/04/2012 -- Nice look at either/or. We'll start to look at why 'decidable' is going to be an important concept. Nods to Turing. 

07/23/2012 -- Didn't mention one aspect of the new thrust, yesterday. Essentially, I'll be pulling, from 45 years ago, some work into modern jargon as the work's focus is apropos to the discussions.

07/22/2012 -- Now looking at applied mathematics, from several senses. Some of it will be computationally oriented. Yet, we have to know what is behind the use. Do you not see? So, we'll have to look at why particular decisions have been made over the past century or so. Prof Osgood looks at that briefly within the context that he is covering. Another domain would deal with our basic problems of cosmology and quanta (large juxtaposition there, however the thinking is the same -- of course, same boundaries that are inherited by being humanly constrained). So, let's put out one notion, to be discussed. The whole thing of the 'monolith' seems to revolve around a deeply held idea that there is some overall, universal, frame of reference. After all, we use the earth to base some types of relativistic calculations. Unconsciously, we do the same thing with ourselves (yes, hubris abounds is about the only fact that we can see at the moment) as we push our cosmological, and other, knowledge far beyond any type of reasonable basis.

07/08/2012 -- Watching Prof Osgood's lectures, up to 15, which is half-way, and will continue to the end (at a faster pace, hopefully). Why is this important? These types of mapping (classically, most date from the period of expansion in the late 18th/early 19th century) move 'something' from space to space in order to help resolve calculation (in the classic sense of computing to a result that is usable). In the case of this class, Fourier Transforms, the approach's deal with the core of how we know. That is, signals (either from nature or from our interpretation - as in sensor/lense/filter, etc. -- okay?) are processed until noise is diminished. Now to the crux:

• Prof Osgood uses distributions to proof theorems at a fairly high-level. Of course, this looks powerful, magical, and is useful. 
• The ease comes from carefully defining what is necessary (or, I might add, essential). Yet, residue (to be discussed further) must be there at various places. Are these not of significance (pun intended)? 
• Part of the magic deals with quasi-empirical concerns about which we will always pay attention. That is, from whence the fact that mathematics can (and does, in many, cases) work? 

06/26/2012 -- T-issues will be addressed from time to time. In the meantime, one person to read about is Elijah who continues to have much appeal to this day. Too, going back to the lecture series that is much more interesting than those Ben did earlier this year, we see a demarcation early in Lecture 11, after Prof Osgood clears up some issue about the Central Limit Theorem's proof (using techniques discussed in the lectures), where the Prof talks about things talked about so far (problems solved) were correct, but not of use. Why? Mainly, there are issues related to special techniques (mostly ad-hoc) and to redoing foundational views. And, we're talking, in this case, about something that is 200+ years old, has had a lot of attention by smart people over all of this time, and deals with things that are, at least, amenable to analysis. Too, the synthesis involved doesn't make grand assumptions. Now, similar types of methods have been applied all across the wide horizon of advanced cognition (as in science and more) and practice, yet, how firm can we call the basis? Not as developed as we would like to believe (when we can believe politicians, perhaps, that'll be the day). Not enough for all of the wool-pulling that I've seen. But, we'll continue in the effort to make this plain as is the sun in the sky at noon (on a clear day).

06/21/2012 -- Yesterday's remark mentioned some difference between the processing of the language of mathematics and a natural language. We talk about God (and much more) in the latter. One thing different is the 'functional' nature of mathematics (wait, let me explain, before PTIME, I hope). Yet, people's reactions to words can be approximated in that same manner (note, some type of limit required). We'll get to it. As an aside, the universities are offering their courses on line. Example: Prof Osgood's look at Fourier's work. Notice, please, that there are 300K reads for Lecture 1. Lecture 2 has 100K while Lecture 30 has reduced to 10K. But, look at Lectures 28 and 29 with only 6K reads (some people jumped to the end, methinks). As the Prof says, these things are hard and take a lot of work. Mathematicians? They do their own work. Politicians (kings, et al)? Others do their work for them.

06/21/2012 -- Listened to a math professor, by video yesterday, talk (in the context of a fairly complicated application area -- which is used quite a lot) about his having to qualify statements as he talked about things as it seems to be an interminable activity. Why? Any statement (provable, type) needs to be explicit. Yet (my put, here), that it's processed through human cognition brings in the implicit (you see, that's the key). The use of 'monolith' denotes physical being (oh, you will tell me that applying 'Monolithic' to God does not say something about Being, with some notion of physicality -- let me remind you of a major conflict over the past 1200+ years on just this subject -- hopefully, I won't have to be specific here -- oh yes, I will, at some point). Now, if the statements are processed by a system (as in, code), we still don't get our arms around the whole thing (hence, all of the holes in the cloud-ish types of things).

06/20/2012 -- Also, hidden beneath the above is the fact that several human traits are going to become more important, and better used, than we've seen before. In fact, part of the knee-jerk is recoiling from these since they are universally found, not just given to the 'gifted' (that class, who throughout our history (and even before the recorded type) have used their talents to 'lord' it over others and to, basically, run the world as they have seen fit). All this leads me to start to think of STEM (what it might mean, in the several senses).

06/20/2012 -- Now, after all of that, why pick the monolith? Well, more reasons than that it played a role in 2001 (yes, the movie, old stuff). But, true, 'monolithic' would be only one attribute. Would not all attributes be encompassed by the Unknowable? Oh? You ask about the negative ones? By symmetry, we would have a way to view anything 'negative' in another light. Actually, since we're dealing with Being (define as you will, but know that in doing so, you're trying to limit that beyond limit), we have to be careful with words. And, it's already been said that mathematics doesn't carry us any further; it, too, is language based, in part. After all, those who interpret systems do so in a manner not dissimilar to reading. Just because there may be more density in the approach (as in, what meaning may be in a simple symbol) does not change that fact. But, another aspect comes to fore. Computing. And, it is a fact, now, that systems can be processed artificially, almost ad infinitum given sufficient energy. Therein is another problem (nod to Turing).

Modified: 06/25/2015

is Math discovered?

Is math discovered or not?

Actually, this video caught my eye since it represents a new way to discuss matters. And, I was astounded at how well it does cover the issues. But, there are several points where the video ought to be stopped, to allow discussion. Perhaps, at some point, I'll get to that where comments point back to the particular second/frame in the video.

---

Now, to the question. It is both discovered and created, as we find with all human endeavors which are embedded in the natural systems. Think of it this way: this issue is very much analogous to the discrete/continuous debate. In fact (if there is a fact that can be claimed in regard to things like this), the question really is a continuum (we'll get back to that).

The problem has been trying to determine where the demarcation line ought to be placed (fuzzy existence) in specifying where we go from discovered to not. In an operational sense, many of the choices taken for people to do things work and, thereby, resolve the problem from that perspective.

Of course, some workarounds (math is full of these) have worked better than others. Yet, the underlying conditions that prompt the query and debate do not abate.

---

Aside: Here is a recent Common core op-ed. It applies (no, there is no digression here). In this op-ed, there is an implied criticism of fuzzy techniques (a system, if you would). So, this is another of those age-old bifurcations. The view expressed in the op-ed stresses, too much, numeric foundations which then lead to all sorts of mis-guided mathematical shenanigans (yes). That "demarcation line" mentioned above?  By necessity, it is fuzzy (in a metaphoric sense, okay?). That we have been overlaid with an insidious mesh that entraps, in part, is the responsibility (karmic) of bad math. That the advertising (marketing) ilk have spawn so rapidly, and, essentially, ruined the Internet is one of the direct results of those bad choices.

I love the emphasis on rules (very much inconsistent, in this op-ed). Learning to follow someone else's footsteps implies rules. Success in mathematics requires memory abilities as well as the other facilities, such as pattern recognition, etc. We cannot get rid of that.

Why don't we try to be peripatetic and teach via play (yes, as in acting out what those abstract notions are supposed to be representing - actually, we're talking a strong type of intuitionism (say what?)  that has not been tried, that I can see.). For one thing, it would meld with a whole lot of problems that we see related to trying to get some kids to keep still.

As long as we're on the subject, having mathematics based upon a less pure platform goes right along with this is/or (discovered/not) paradox. You see, it's AND (has always been). Along with the play attempt suggested above would be an almost flip-flop of the model (advised use). But, no one seems to have been allowed to try this, that I know of.

---

A larger ramification? When choices have a large sphere of influence, then more care is needed. Yet, everywhere we see cowboy (no offense to the real cattle persons) acting as if the world (despite the potential impacts on us) is their lab and little play thing. Care, in that sense? Unfortunately, we have gotten to the point where "care" is not part of the model (lots to discuss in this regard).

---

Beside pointing to the quasi-empirical (it's briefly alluded to in the video - extra points if you find this -- later, I'll put in the frame) issues, we'll weigh in, soon (PTIME, perhaps), with a novel approach, on the question in the title of the post.

---

In the meantime, see the recent renewal of faith.

Remarks:  Modified: 01/16/2015

09/21/2014 -- Very important subject. Watch the video.

11/03/2014 -- We'll be getting back to this, but some feel that progress comes from those who can see patterns in a new light or bring them to light. Almost like the Flynn effect, subsequent thinkers can see more clearly, especially if patterns are handled in a manner that persists. That is, patterns can be chimera-like as can any problem of the human mind (and, that is not in any way meant to criticize imaginative efforts -- nope, some patterns may only be accessible within the framework of fiction - sci fi, for instance). Now, to the crux, how one handles the issues of either/or is very much pattern'd and ought to be thought of that way. We'll go on, in time. Choosing on the side that does not relate well to reductionism is as amenable to reason as is the stance denier (remember, perception is very much dependent upon one's time and resources).

01/16/2015 -- Discussing this (or any part of the old Queen's accoutrements) and deciding which way to go would depend upon one's view of normative mathematics; this is a subject about which we intend to weigh in from the truth engineering (quasi-empiricism) frame work.

Multisense Realism

Forward: This is a brief summarization of activity on Quora.

Early on in Quora (after about two weeks as a writer), I answered a question (Aug 8, 2015), in which I used psychether. At the time, I had been using the term for years. So, the following sets the usual tone.

How-do-some-people-give-off-a-tough-vibe-without-even-trying-Did-they-go-through-some-hardship-or-have-unemotional-parents/answer/John-M-Switlik

Finally, the important word is vibes. You see, we warp something (explaining how will require, first, some semblance of sanity on the part of those who carry the so-called best-and-brightest label) that I call psychether in a manner that is analogous to what our friend Albert showed with our matter (as in, our smiling-or-not faces and their attached body) warps space-time. If the questioner is a vibe reader, we want to hear more.

Notice that I mention Einstein's work as that has been a motivation all along. Of course, the phenomenon of psychether involves a lot more than human interaction.

One of the things I started to do on Quora was sync with my blog posts. As I was doing this work, I did a search on the term and found that there had been other uses. A musical group used this as a title for a CD plus there was at least one userid of this name. So, I did this post, psychether, on Aug 11, 2015. The post shows an image from mid-1990s entry in a database that used the term in relation to my research. This is to establish the precedence though the term itself does not do more than suggest something about the operational aspects.

--- On MR ---

Later on Quora, I ran across the concept of Multisense Realism (MR) while browsing questions. The concept and thoughts struck a chord. Because of theme resonated with psychetheral issues, I answered the question. The question was formulated in the fall of 2012; my answer was last Friday, Sep 4, 2015).

      Does-MR-Help-Explain-Consciousness/answer/John-M-Switlik

Now, taking this further, there is a website plus a Facebook page for MR.

       multisenserealism.com/
       www.facebook.com/solitropy

Finally, having run across this work, I began to pull together my thoughts. One thing that the MR questioner noted was that people could find usefulness for and apply his concept without going all the way to spirituality or metaphysics (my interpretation).  

--- Space-time++ ---

So, I will now do a brief look at my recent musings in this regard. Of course, a lot of my work bordered on metaphysics. However, I spent my career working in geometry, meaning that I touched all the time the mathematics related to differential geometry. In the back of my mind, I was ruminating on early work which goes back decades and how all of this relates.

My original thrust had several motivations which I will get to eventually. Given that I was working alone, except for occasional discussion with some peers (to be named), the sole criterion was my own understanding. But, science has to be public to be. And, public is more than the fact of a special interest group.

Of late, it had occurred to me to take another step. I had already addressed some of this thought in either/or terms. There are several posts along this line, but they come from a claim that harmonizes Anselm and Pascal (Blaise, if you would) with the modern views. In my mind, I might add. You see, some supposed smart folks are being idiotic. One side calls the other blind while the blind call their accusers delusional.

Too, people are running after larger and larger experiments. Sheesh. Let's just use the whole planet as a laboratory. Wait, has that not already happened?

So, of late, I have been thinking that all we need is one little addition that would answer all sorts of questions. Too, we could have some type of reasonable response that is obvious (hence, scientific). But, what is that?

We'll get there, but let's use a reminder from the early days of computer evolution. We had a stage where we had 2 1/2 dimensions as we were not quite ready to handle 3D? Actually, in the 2G to 3G wars in telecom, we had something similar.

So, we'll talk ST++, as in space-time plus-plus. What is this? There are rules about how one goes about this type of thing. But, I'm going to appeal to von Neumann when he said that we don't have to understand mathematics, we just get used to it. As in, if it works, why have to explain? But, human nature wants to tear things apart.

MR brought in a more wholistic approach. There have been others. Lots. So, I will look further at this. Too, though, I will be going back to work beyond harping at people. I have been blogging about truth engineering since 2007. I first wrote up the discipline in 2000 and have slowly been working things (alone).

During this time, I have calmed myself with Faraday's work. That is, he was an early experimenter who helped get theoretics settled. Michael was about 40 years older than James Clerk Maxwell, for example. Why does the analogy having a tie in with electromagnetics? Look at MR's approach.

Too, this work is being done in a autodidact mode.

---

So, I have become convinced that an operational approach is now suitable to bring forth. There are many analogs from computing: closures, extensions, etc.

I had hoped that the internet would be amenable to gathering the data. And, that may be a more viable thought now than before, except there is so much noise now. Fortunately, a lot of my work dealt with reducing this type of interference.

My next step will be to look at MR further; too, I want to document all of the different views that I have run across over the years. At the same time, I will work on firming up my hypotheses (several) sufficiently that they could be discussed.

Remarks:   Modified: 09/07/2015

09/07/2015 --