- Define: Add definition to a type system
- Calculate: Describe logical transformation within a type system
- Action: Change and add instances within the type system
Bringing definition, calculation, and action together results in the ability to perform arbitrary computation. Computational ability is fascinating, and many signs suggest that this is how the universe works.
Traditional physics focuses on defining the type system that constitutes our universe and describing what transformations (calculations) can be applied to it (the laws of physics). But we struggle to find who or what it is that instigates action (what is life). We also have a hard time pinning down what process created the type-system in the first place (God or a fluke?).
When we try to track the origins of the type system, we end up in a big bang with no obvious way to see what was before.
In computation time is central. Everything is done in computational discrete steps. Traditional physics has not fully accepted the quantization of time. Truly, there is no need to as long as we focus on describing calculations and transformations within the type system. We do accept causality. The principle is that action precedes effect – and this implies time – but it does not require quantization of time as computation does.
Computation is much more than calculation
In his book NKS Stephen Wolfram (https://www.wolframscience.com/nks/) investigates what computations are capable of. What he shows, which is not obvious from the onset, is that computation can create results that are indescribable by calculations alone.
Thus he coins the term of computational irreducibility. I think the idea of computational irreducibility is an equally important insight as the insight that mass bends space.
What the existence of computational irreducibility gives is the insight that some computations lack the shortcuts and predictability that calculations give. This means that the fastest way to find out the result is to let the computation run its course.
This insight may seem small but leads to clarity of the built-in limitation of traditional physics that only deals with calculations. If the universe is computational, traditional physics will not have explanations for everything that happens within it – because it is incalculable.
Free will
A friend asked me about my beliefs on the concept of free will. I think the question haunts so many because they are stuck thinking that calculations can describe the world. However, calculations cannot describe the complete world if it is computational.
I believe that the world is computational. I believe that what we perceive as “self” is computationally irreducible. The only way to know how it ends and what I will do next is to wait until I do it.
It’s not only the easiest way to find out what I will do next – according to Wolfram, it is the only way to find out – even for me. How cool is it that everyone is along for a ride of their life that is impossible to predict!
Type-systems
I digress. What I wanted to say is this: MDriven gives you accessible tools to investigate everyday type-systems – and no one knows where that will end up…
Just like MDriven is a type-system in itself, I wish I could give you a clear roadmap on what is next – but hey, it is not only hard – it is impossible.
Merry Christmas!
Read more: MDriven is not one thing – it’s seven and some extras