The burgeoning research into quantum information and computation marks a significant milestone that can be dubbed “the second quantum revolution”. The first quantum revolution of the 20th century deeply changed the fundamental concepts of physics and our understanding of the physical world. The second quantum revolution of the 21st century is leading to dramatic technological changes in our society and shaping new conceptual and logical paradigms. Munich Quantum Valley serves as an exemplary case, bringing together fundamental research and practical application.
Organized by Prof. Roberto Giuntini (IAS Philosopher in Residence Fellow) and his hosts: Prof. Hans-Joachim Bungartz, Prof. Stefania Centrone, Prof. Klaus Mainzer
Speaker of the session on March 15 from 11:00-12:30:
Prof. Dr. Marco Giunti (University of Cagliari)
Università di Cagliari
Dipartimento di Pedagogia, Psicologia, Filosofia
ALOPHIS—Applied LOgic, Philosophy and HIstory of Science
Title: Computing systems: Mathematical entities or physical objects?
Abstract:
There are many different kinds of computing systems, but it is not clear whether all of them can be seen as different species of a single, unified kind. However, those systems that are traditionally studied by standard computation theory (finite automata, Turing machines, register machines, cellular automata, etc.) have a closer family resemblance and are the focus of this paper. I refer to them as computational systems. A peculiar feature of all computational systems is their dual nature: on the one hand, each specific kind of computational system can be thought of as a class of mathematical systems of a certain type, but, on the other hand, it can also be seen as a kind of physical or real systems. Moreover, it is not clear exactly what the relationship is between the mathematically defined systems and their physical counterparts; this is the problem known as the physical implementation, or realization, problem. In my view, a computational system CS is a complex object consisting of three parts. First, a computational setup H, which consists of a theoretical part and a real part. Second, a mathematical part DS, which is a discrete, n‑component, effectively representable, partial dynamical system. And, third, an interpretation I, which links the partial dynamical system DS with the setup H. In this talk, I present this view in detail by applying it to the paradigmatic case of Turing machines, and then I show how it solves the physical realization problem. Finally, I draw some philosophical consequences of this solution for the computational theory of mind and the methodology of the empirical sciences.
Location:
TUM Institute for Advanced Study, Lichtenbergstr. 2a, 85748 Garching
Room 0.004 (ground floor)
For further information, please contact: roberto.giuntini@tum.de