undefined | Better HN

0 pointsJackFr3y ago0 comments

I see your point but I feel it’s a little bit weakened by the fact that you’re limited to using words to describe it.

Can you conceive of a thought experiment that is impossible to put into words? Yes or no is acceptable, but if the answer is yes I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.

0 comments

lukeschlather3y ago

It depends on what you mean by "conceive" and "thought experiment." If the thought experiment can be expressed, you can come up with a word to describe the expression of the idea. I think I could imagine some inexpressible ideas (this seems like it would logically follow from the proof that some things are not computable.)

Of course, when you deal with real language your language itself is constrained. If you need to invent a bunch of new words does that count?

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

0 pointsJackFr3y ago0 comments

I see your point but I feel it’s a little bit weakened by the fact that you’re limited to using words to describe it.

Can you conceive of a thought experiment that is impossible to put into words? Yes or no is acceptable, but if the answer is yes I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.

0 comments

lukeschlather3y ago

Of course, when you deal with real language your language itself is constrained. If you need to invent a bunch of new words does that count?

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse