The Limits of Science: What Do We Really Know?
Paull Nunez
Oxford University Press eBooks March 10, 2010 DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195340716.003.0008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that probability and entropy are measures of human ignorance and that scientific prediction is severely limited in complex systems. Contends that fundamental limits on computer power may preclude artificial consciousness even if natural brains create minds. |
Abstract
This chapter considers the general limits of scientific knowledge, and identifies probability and entropy as important measures of human ignorance; scientific predictions are shown to be severely limited in complex systems. It argues that fundamental limits on computer power may preclude the creation of artificial consciousness, even if natural brains actually do create minds, as assumed by most contemporary scientists.