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0 pointsturminal4y ago0 comments

> there is no way to scientifically differentiate between an infinite quantity and a really huge quantity (same for infinitesimals), in finite time

That depends on the model of computation you pick, doesn't it?

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tsimionescu4y ago

Only if you want to think about models of computation that allow performing infinite operations in finite amounts of time, which I don't think are that interesting.

auggierose4y ago

I'd say if our universe makes such computations possible, then that would be very interesting.

tsimionescu4y ago

Absolutely! Similarly, if our universe allowed instantaneous travel and free energy, that would also be very interesting.

Not holding my breath for either.

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0 pointsturminal4y ago0 comments

> there is no way to scientifically differentiate between an infinite quantity and a really huge quantity (same for infinitesimals), in finite time

That depends on the model of computation you pick, doesn't it?

0 comments

tsimionescu4y ago

Only if you want to think about models of computation that allow performing infinite operations in finite amounts of time, which I don't think are that interesting.

auggierose4y ago

I'd say if our universe makes such computations possible, then that would be very interesting.

tsimionescu4y ago

Absolutely! Similarly, if our universe allowed instantaneous travel and free energy, that would also be very interesting.

Not holding my breath for either.

1 more reply

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse