From: Michael Fitzgerald (fitzgerm@ocean.com.au)
Date: Tue Nov 03 1998 - 02:11:45 MST
Hi everyone,
I'm wading my way -slowly- through Tipler at the moment.
with no formation in maths, and only a little formal logic (years ago as
an undergrad)
I'm finding it quite hard going.
I tried -unsuccessfully to date- to read Penrose (i know he has no
fundamental affinity with the questions which occupy us here, but I
thought it might serve as a good foil/counterpoint to the boyish
enthusiasm I'm experiencing for extropian ideas)
Funnily enough, Tipler is illuminating what I found quite opaque in
Penrose on Turing machines.
question: could someone please try to explain to me -in terms adapted to
the level of mathmatical aptitude suggested by foregoing- the proof
offered by Tipler on p.26 of Physics of immortality, that is, the
argument he offers to prove that the Halting problem is unsolvable.
I am aware of how basic my concerns are, but I really do have enough
enthusiasm to make up for initial maths defecit, that is, if you folks
are willing to help me from time to time.
anyway, all the best.
michael
melbourne, australia
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