Prof Ard Louis: Physics and Information: From Evolution to Algorithms

This is a recording from last week's talk by Prof Ard Louis. Hope you enjoy!
Abstract:
I will explore some intriguing parallels between biological evolution and deep learning. The link between these fields is the coding theorem from algorithmic information theory (which really should be much more widely taught in physics!). It is a formalisation of the infinite monkey theorem, and predicts that for many systems, simple outputs should be much more common than complex ones. This picture helps explain why symmetric structures spontaneously emerge from the algorithmic nature of evolution. For deep learning, it predicts an inbuilt Occam's razor favouring simple solutions over more complex ones.
Check out Prof Louis here: www2.physics.o...

[@nulliusinverba5354]

At 12:02 I have a question. How is it a totally random process when we start with RNA? Aren't these experiments on RNA showing a previously unknown property of RNA molecules?

[@cashkaval]

My brain gave me the blue screen error when I found out he holds christian creationist beliefs. This explains the subtle ways he manages to dodge all the sensitive questions about life on other planets, conciousness computability, etc. And instead of the term "creationists" he uses the "anti-evolutionary literature" euphemism 58:16, when referencing and constructing his arguments. Pretty lame. I had pretty high expectations from Oxford.

[@nulliusinverba5354]

A logical person does not consider that an ad hominem fallacy shows any statement to be either true or false.
Perhaps you should address his statements instead of creating boogeyman euphemisms.
If your belief system is the self contradictory philosophy that only physical matter and energy are real (which sadly is all too common amongst atheistic elites) then perhaps you should reconsider what you hold to be true (also an abstract concept).

[@cashkaval]

@@nulliusinverba5354 you know, using fancy words won't make you logical or smart, just makes you appear one. Superstition and mysticism don't belong in the 21st century, not 50 years after we stepped on the Moon. Of course they're are consistent with a certain Cro-Magnon world of view that still persists to this day, but luckly the religion indoctrination nonsense is an ongoing receding pile of bull sh*t.

[@nulliusinverba5354]

@@cashkaval Please tell us how you really feel :)
But you see, the scientific method doesn't depend on what ever anyone believes which is why your continued ad hominem adds nothing more than to make you feel better.
But I can understand your preference to attack the person which does protect one from actually dealing in the statements being presented.
If you prefer not to address the substance of an issue - such as whether you believe only physical matter and energy are real (materialism) - then there is no discussion at all. Mere invectives does not show anyone to be logical or wise.
I bring up materialism as it is often what is behind such ad hominem attacks as you make. This argument from incredulity fallacy often seems to be based on ones belief in materialism.