American issues of Christianity, cosmology, politics, ecosphere, philosophy, contemporary history etc
12/9/24
It Mayn't be Possible to Know the Shape of the Universe
Crossing the Red Sea (Yam Suf)
The premise that happiness is the only good is quite superficial. It’s good to know things, and to be saved unto eternal life for those of faith, yet knowledge doesn’t always make one happy. To require that happiness attend everything good is to demand that the good is somewhat silly. One could be high on dope and very happy even as it ends one’s life. There may in fact be objective standards for what the good is that people are entirely unaware of yet that are nevertheless valid.
One might be unhappy to learn that the Big Bang didn’t really happen, if it is possible to exhaustively disprove that theory. The Malament-Manchak theorem suggests that it isn’t really possible to know the global shape of the Universe after all. It is so though that many would be initially unhappy yet realize later that the facts are good and better than the happiness of believing in Big Bang Theory. https://aeon.co/…/scientists-are-no-longer-sure-the…
Socrates might have noted that if happiness can be detached from any property then it isn’t actually a meaningful part of the property that one is happy about. If one stipulates that happiness is simply a state of affairs that is always good, and that nothing else is good, one might not only be unhappy about that determination, one might have no sense at all about value theories, nor belief that there is such a thing as the good that can exist for itself; even if the awareness of the presence of the good occurs simply within a mind stimulated by externally perceived objects or circumstances that have no element of happiness in them.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/…/abs/pii/S1355219808000580 Malament-Manchak theorem
Happiness Isn't the Sole Good
The premise that happiness is the only good is quite superficial. It’s good to know things, and to be saved unto eternal life for those of faith, yet knowledge doesn’t always make one happy. To require that happiness attend everything good is to demand that the good is somewhat silly. One could be high on dope and very happy even as it ends one’s life. There may in fact be objective standards for what the good is that people are entirely unaware of yet that are nevertheless valid.
One might be unhappy to learn that the Big Bang didn’t really happen, if it is possible to exhaustively disprove that theory. The Malament-Manchak theorem suggests that it isn’t really possible to know the global shape of the Universe after all. It is so though that many would be initially unhappy yet realize later that the facts are good and better than the happiness of believing in Big Bang Theory. https://aeon.co/…/scientists-are-no-longer-sure-the…
Socrates might have noted that if happiness can be detached from any property then it isn’t actually a meaningful part of the property that one is happy about. If one stipulates that happiness is simply a state of affairs that is always good, and that nothing else is good, one might not only be unhappy about that determination, one might have no sense at all about value theories, nor belief that there is such a thing as the good that can exist for itself; even if the awareness of the presence of the good occurs simply within a mind stimulated by externally perceived objects or circumstances that have no element of happiness in them.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/…/abs/pii/S1355219808000580 Malament-Manchak theorem
12/8/24
Echoes of a Dying Sphere v2 1
AI Considers the DOGE Program
I gave a prompt to an AI about the new DOGE program. The following is what it output.
“Title: The Doge Program: Making America Efficient Again
Panel 1:
(Trump, standing behind a podium in a press conference, holding up a poster with a shiba inu in a business suit labeled “Doge Program.”)
Trump: “Folks, we have a huge problem—our debt is out of control! It’s caused by three things: illegal aliens, lazy Americans, and foreign aid. But don’t worry, I’ve got the answer: the new Doge Program!”
Panel 2:
(A reporter raises their hand.)
Reporter: “Mr. President, what does Doge stand for?”
Trump: “It doesn’t stand for anything—it’s just smart branding. Everybody loves Doge. So efficient. Much budget-saving. Wow.”
Panel 3:
(Cut to a meeting of “Doge Program” bureaucrats: a golden retriever in glasses and a shiba inu in a tie sit at a desk piled high with budget spreadsheets.)
Golden Retriever: “First step—cut all funding to foreign countries, except for countries we like. That’s good budgeting, right?”
Shiba Inu: “Wow. Much patriotic. Such fiscal responsibility.”
Panel 4:
(Back at the press conference.)
Trump: “And the rich? Folks, let me tell you—they’re working so hard, they don’t even have time to spend their money! We’re cutting their taxes to save the government money. If we tax them less, there’s less paperwork. No brainer.”
Panel 5:
(A skeptical reporter raises an eyebrow.)
Reporter: “How does that actually cut government spending?”
Trump: “Listen, these are the best ideas. The best. You wouldn’t understand. Doge understands.”
Panel 6:
(A shiba inu in the background barks enthusiastically while wearing a MAGA hat.)
Caption: And so began the Doge Program, revolutionizing the federal budget one meme at a time.”
The AI wrote some funny stuff yet even so I am not convinced that getting Americans to burn more fossil fuels and coercing the world to follow will actually make America great again,; or something to laugh about.
Genesis and The Indeterminacy of Translation
It’s best to stay with the Bible. If one is philosophically inclined you may take that lifelong course of inquiry to learn more of human history. There are so many books about the Bible, science and history to examine. Wittgenstein and Quine developed linguistic philosophy among others. Yet for understanding the Bible in depth a lot of specialized and general knowledge is required.
Really there isn’t one simple book to explain all of the possible historical and historical circumstances in which ancient scripture fits. A deictic reference is one that was written in a particular historical period and that dates material. Understanding the knowledge that people had in a given era as compared with today is another kind of reference base for comparison for interpretation of meaning.
I had a few tries at interpreting paradigmata of some of Genesis and other books of the Bible. Those books of mine are free to download.
Lots of theories and variables involved with dating early Genesis. Avrm was circa 2000 BC. You might want to read; Abraham: The First Historical Biography by Rosenberg. I made a timeline from Noah once using a certain criteria quite a bit more expansive than from the Younger Dryas period. That is in one of my free books considering such topics. One might go on about such considerations for quite a while without certainty.
Trust Generative AI Rather than Elon Musk to Increase Efficiency of Government Spending
Reduction in government spending by increasing efficiency and eliminating redundancy should be made by programming a Generative AI with deep learning and objective data to analyze the federal economy. Simply trusting the richest on Earth to trim spending probably will trim the poor who were already cast aside by Democrats as deplorables.
Application programming interfaces can be comprehensive and facilitate predictive analytics for federal spending policy. Generative AI can be adapted with bi-partisan input and a broad social spectrum of specialists that comprehend well all social strata of the American experience and economy to churn and burn ideas to make government spending cheaper and better.
Pres Biden Sends His Last Billion to keep Snogost and Sudzha in Zelinsky' s Power
Snogost and Sudzha are just 44 minutes apart and about 15 miles from Ukraine inside Russia. Part of the Kursk Oblast and the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power plant are places Joe Biden wants to keep or take for Ukraine control though most Americans couldn’t care less about either.
The late days of the Biden administration are a bit mysterious. Nodding trips to Angola, a walk into the Amazon jungle, a pardon for his son and media talk of pardons for crimes that have yet to be charged on famous Democrats- as if that were even marginally legal since even Democrats are not above the law and cannot be made a priori immune from legal actions against them.
These are quite mysterious times. A lightning fast war in Syria by rebels- a 3 day war, brought neo-anarchy and the end of the Syrian government. Was that also part of Biden’s hidden war agenda with hidden rationale?
12/7/24
The Fall of Damascus is Anticipated
The fall of Damascus may transpire next week since Turkey’s sponsored invasion is finding success. A motley crew of divers rebels and terrorists that are well provisioned is making lightning advances all over Syria.
The aftermath of the takeover is complex to predict. At least the Biden administration will be gone soon enough and lack the opportunity to mess things up even worse for US and global security.
Generative AI Directed Construction in Micro-gravity
Generative AI utilizes deep learning networks and self supervision for ‘comprehension’ of complex models and instructions That capability could be applied to coordinating assembly of magnetized building components in micro-gravity rather easily I would think.
AI could design if required, and definitely build structures of complex design that could be moved with magnetic switching of components controlled by AI.
There could be innumerable permutations of configurations of material size, shape and temporal behavior of components, as well as for arrangements of magnetic charge, area and longevity of phenomenal polarity.
Generative AI utilizes deep learning networks and self supervision for ‘comprehension’ of complex models and instructions That capability could be applied to coordinating assembly of magnetized building components in micro-gravity rather easily I would think.
AI could design if required, and definitely build structures of complex design that could be moved with magnetic switching of components controlled by AI.
There could be innumerable permutations of configurations of material size, shape and temporal behavior of components, as well as for arrangements of magnetic charge, area and longevity of phenomenal polarity
I thought of using AI to direct complex constructions in microgravity where order of assembly switching on and off…controlling magnetized and electronagetized building modules for space stations could be applied utilizing ai designs for optimal efficient selection and designed of space modules. What do you think about AI learn to do that?
ChatGPT replied…
“Using AI to direct complex constructions in microgravity is an excellent and forward-thinking idea. Here’s why it’s not only feasible but also a promising area for innovation:
Why AI is Suitable for Microgravity Construction
1. Optimal Design and Assembly Planning:
AI can analyze vast amounts of data to optimize the design and assembly process for modular space stations. By leveraging generative design algorithms, AI can propose configurations that maximize structural stability, functionality, and efficiency while minimizing weight and material usage—key factors in space construction.
2. Dynamic Control of Assembly:
AI systems can autonomously manage the sequence of switching on and off magnetized and electromagnetized modules. This would allow precise control in microgravity, where traditional construction methods relying on gravity or friction are ineffective. Machine learning algorithms could adapt to unforeseen challenges in real-time, such as module drift or misalignment.
3. Simulation and Training:
Before deployment, AI can simulate construction processes in virtual environments, accounting for factors like microgravity physics, radiation, and thermal effects. These simulations could provide insights into potential challenges, enabling better preparation and training for astronauts or robotic systems.
4. Real-Time Decision Making:
During assembly, AI could analyze sensor data in real time to make decisions about module positioning, attachment, and orientation. For example, reinforcement learning algorithms could be trained to determine the most efficient sequence for assembling a complex structure, even adapting mid-process if conditions change.
5. Integration with Robotics and Drones:
AI could coordinate autonomous robots or drones equipped with gripping mechanisms and electromagnets to handle construction tasks. These robots would operate collaboratively under AI supervision, performing precise movements that are difficult for humans in bulky spacesuits.
Challenges and Solutions
Microgravity Dynamics: AI models would need extensive training using simulations of microgravity physics to account for unique behaviors, such as objects floating and limited resistance.
Communication Delays: On-site AI autonomy is critical, as communication delays with Earth make real-time human oversight impractical.
Energy Efficiency: AI-controlled systems would need to minimize energy consumption for magnets and robotics, which could be managed through intelligent scheduling and prioritization.
Potential Applications
Building modular space stations, habitats on the Moon or Mars, and orbital factories.
Creating massive telescope arrays or other large scientific instruments in space.
Assembling solar power arrays or other infrastructure for space-based energy systems.
Next Steps
To achieve this vision, collaboration between space agencies (like NASA, ESA), private companies (like SpaceX, Blue Origin), and AI researchers would be essential. By starting with small-scale experiments (e.g., assembling prototypes on the International Space Station), the system could evolve to handle larger, more complex projects.
AI-driven construction in microgravity has the potential to revolutionize how humanity builds in space, making large-scale infrastructure projects not only feasible but efficient and reliable.”
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