Episode
#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
3:11:36
Published: Sat Apr 18 2020
Description
Stephen Wolfram is a computer scientist, mathematician, and theoretical physicist who is the founder and CEO of Wolfram Research, a company behind Mathematica, Wolfram Alpha, Wolfram Language, and the new Wolfram Physics project. He is the author of several books including A New Kind of Science, which on a personal note was one of the most influential books in my journey in computer science and artificial intelligence. Support this podcast by signing up with these sponsors: - ExpressVPN at https://www.expressvpn.com/lexpod - Cash App - use code "LexPodcast" and download: - Cash App (App Store): https://apple.co/2sPrUHe - Cash App (Google Play): https://bit.ly/2MlvP5w EPISODE LINKS: Stephen's Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephen_wolfram Stephen's Website: https://www.stephenwolfram.com/ Wolfram Research Twitter: https://twitter.com/WolframResearch Wolfram Research YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/WolframResearch Wolfram Research Website: https://www.wolfram.com/ Wolfram Alpha: https://www.wolframalpha.com/ A New Kind of Science (book): https://amzn.to/34JruB2 This conversation is part of the Artificial Intelligence podcast. If you would like to get more information about this podcast go to https://lexfridman.com/ai or connect with @lexfridman on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Medium, or YouTube where you can watch the video versions of these conversations. If you enjoy the podcast, please rate it 5 stars on Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify, or support it on Patreon. Here's the outline of the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. OUTLINE: 00:00 - Introduction 04:16 - Communicating with an alien intelligence 12:11 - Monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey 29:06 - What is computation? 44:54 - Physics emerging from computation 1:14:10 - Simulation 1:19:23 - Fundamental theory of physics 1:28:01 - Richard Feynman 1:39:57 - Role of ego in science 1:47:21 - Cellular automata 2:15:08 - Wolfram language 2:55:14 - What is intelligence? 2:57:47 - Consciousness 3:02:36 - Mortality 3:05:47 - Meaning of life
Chapters
The podcast host promotes Cash App by offering $10 for new users who use the code "LexPodcast".
00:00 - 04:11 (04:11)
Summary
The podcast host promotes Cash App by offering $10 for new users who use the code "LexPodcast". An additional $10 will be donated by Cash App to First Organization that advances robotic system education. There is also mention of the complex algorithm behind Cash App's fractional share trading.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of extraterrestrial intelligence visiting Earth may have biased our understanding of the potential for life beyond our planet.
04:12 - 16:34 (12:21)
Summary
The concept of extraterrestrial intelligence visiting Earth may have biased our understanding of the potential for life beyond our planet. The Fermi paradox also presents a mystery as to why there are no other signs of intelligent life in the universe.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The future of a company's stability is based on the optimization for the next thousand years, and even that is unclear, leading to many ethical questions regarding AI technology.
16:34 - 24:39 (08:04)
Summary
The future of a company's stability is based on the optimization for the next thousand years, and even that is unclear, leading to many ethical questions regarding AI technology.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The only way we can predict what happens in the universe is if we believe we are special because our computation is more advanced and special than anything else that exists.
24:39 - 29:26 (04:46)
Summary
The only way we can predict what happens in the universe is if we believe we are special because our computation is more advanced and special than anything else that exists. However, we still need to run the universe even if we know the answer is 42.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The episode discusses the relationship between computation and models of physics, as well as the history of computation theory and Turing machines.
29:26 - 36:22 (06:56)
Summary
The episode discusses the relationship between computation and models of physics, as well as the history of computation theory and Turing machines.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The principle of computational equivalence states that whenever a system follows rules, the computation that the behavior of the system corresponds to is of equivalent sophistication.
36:23 - 45:18 (08:55)
Summary
The principle of computational equivalence states that whenever a system follows rules, the computation that the behavior of the system corresponds to is of equivalent sophistication. It is considered the heart of computation's definition and applies across all systems, regardless of individual details.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Stephen Wolfram talks about the possibility of finding our physical universe by searching through the computational universe, and whether cellular automata is general enough to describe the laws of physics as we know them.
45:19 - 50:01 (04:42)
Summary
Stephen Wolfram talks about the possibility of finding our physical universe by searching through the computational universe, and whether cellular automata is general enough to describe the laws of physics as we know them. He also discusses the use of real numbers in physics and mathematics.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The computational infrastructure for the universe may not be realized as a Turing machine, as precise real numbers and partial differential equations may be necessary.
50:01 - 56:56 (06:54)
Summary
The computational infrastructure for the universe may not be realized as a Turing machine, as precise real numbers and partial differential equations may be necessary. The importance of understanding the underlying computational infrastructure is discussed.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Theoretical physicist, Sean Carroll, discusses the connection between human consciousness and the universe, including his theory on how human consciousness relates to observations in the universe, and the question of determining whether a quantum computer is real or a simulation.
56:56 - 1:04:54 (07:57)
Summary
Theoretical physicist, Sean Carroll, discusses the connection between human consciousness and the universe, including his theory on how human consciousness relates to observations in the universe, and the question of determining whether a quantum computer is real or a simulation.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The order of microscopic rewrites does not affect the causal network, which is the only phenomenon that affects the universe observer.
1:04:54 - 1:10:48 (05:53)
Summary
The order of microscopic rewrites does not affect the causal network, which is the only phenomenon that affects the universe observer. The observer is only affected by the causal network of how events that happen in the universe lead to other events affecting themselves.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The universe at a macroscopic level looks like a honeycomb but we cannot make any assumptions about the universe based on that representation.
1:10:48 - 1:18:22 (07:34)
Summary
The universe at a macroscopic level looks like a honeycomb but we cannot make any assumptions about the universe based on that representation. It's strange to realize that humans are not at the center of the universe.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Exploring the journey to finding a fundamental theory of physics, which has proved to be challenging despite having been around for generations.
1:18:22 - 1:28:25 (10:03)
Summary
Exploring the journey to finding a fundamental theory of physics, which has proved to be challenging despite having been around for generations.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Richard Feynman questions Stephen Wolfram about his discovery of the complex behavior produced by Rule 30 and the difficulty of intuitive understanding in computing advancements.
1:28:25 - 1:37:07 (08:41)
Summary
Richard Feynman questions Stephen Wolfram about his discovery of the complex behavior produced by Rule 30 and the difficulty of intuitive understanding in computing advancements.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their thoughts on ego and intellectual content, and how it applies to running a company with their name on it.
1:37:07 - 1:47:01 (09:53)
Summary
The speaker shares their thoughts on ego and intellectual content, and how it applies to running a company with their name on it. They also touch on the importance of building a paradigm to understand things, based on their experience in reductionistic physics.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Simple rules in mathematics can generate immensely complicated behavior, as seen in a rule that uses a black cell to create a complex pattern.
1:47:01 - 1:52:35 (05:34)
Summary
Simple rules in mathematics can generate immensely complicated behavior, as seen in a rule that uses a black cell to create a complex pattern. Despite being computationally obvious, the rule showcases how simplicity can breed complexity.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses the unexpected discoveries that come from using computational science, and the challenges faced by non-computational approaches to scientific inquiry.
1:52:36 - 2:01:56 (09:20)
Summary
This podcast discusses the unexpected discoveries that come from using computational science, and the challenges faced by non-computational approaches to scientific inquiry.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Stephen Wolfram discusses the endless possibilities of discovering what Rule 30 does for billions or trillions of steps, and how creatures in the computational universe will always be smarter.
2:01:56 - 2:09:30 (07:33)
Summary
Stephen Wolfram discusses the endless possibilities of discovering what Rule 30 does for billions or trillions of steps, and how creatures in the computational universe will always be smarter. He also mentions a prize he is offering related to Rule 30.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Stephen Wolfram explains the significance of a computational language in being able to represent the world computationally and how this is similar to the advent of mathematical notation.
2:09:30 - 2:19:33 (10:03)
Summary
Stephen Wolfram explains the significance of a computational language in being able to represent the world computationally and how this is similar to the advent of mathematical notation. He highlights the goal of his work in building the Wolfram Language, which is to enable the expression of computational thinking in a way that can be understood by both humans and machines.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Wolfram Language contains over 6,000 functions including image identify and geo nearest, making it a powerful tool for data analysis and computation.
2:19:33 - 2:23:02 (03:28)
Summary
The Wolfram Language contains over 6,000 functions including image identify and geo nearest, making it a powerful tool for data analysis and computation.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The combination of symbolic representation and machine learning can help to represent patterns in images and other data, but we are still far from forming the kind of wide world of computable knowledge that will form the language of the built environment.
2:23:02 - 2:29:32 (06:30)
Summary
The combination of symbolic representation and machine learning can help to represent patterns in images and other data, but we are still far from forming the kind of wide world of computable knowledge that will form the language of the built environment. Currently, there is a loop between what is being picked up with machine learning and what is being picked up with more precise computational methods in natural language understanding, which is leading to new developments in the field.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Stephen Wolfram discusses the impact of his computer programming language, Wolfram Language, in the market of high-end R&D and impressing smart people, while also admitting to not prioritizing commercialization.
2:29:32 - 2:40:17 (10:44)
Summary
Stephen Wolfram discusses the impact of his computer programming language, Wolfram Language, in the market of high-end R&D and impressing smart people, while also admitting to not prioritizing commercialization.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the intersection of politics, market-based systems, and computational representation, exploring the potential for a more streamlined legal process through computational representation and the challenges associated with picking a system in a market-based approach.
2:40:17 - 2:53:37 (13:20)
Summary
The speaker discusses the intersection of politics, market-based systems, and computational representation, exploring the potential for a more streamlined legal process through computational representation and the challenges associated with picking a system in a market-based approach.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A philosopher discusses the concept of consciousness when referring to artificial intelligence and how it is a difficult term to define.
2:53:37 - 3:02:53 (09:15)
Summary
A philosopher discusses the concept of consciousness when referring to artificial intelligence and how it is a difficult term to define. The development of AI and consciousness may have significant consequences in our cultural and intellectual evolution.
Episode#89 – Stephen Wolfram: Cellular Automata, Computation, and Physics
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The pursuit of fundamental physics may become less important in a future where consciousness is virtualized and everything becomes digital, leading to an eternity of disembodied consciousnesses pursuing scientific pursuits like Stephen Wolfram's "A New Kind of Science."
3:02:53 - 3:11:17 (08:23)
Summary
The pursuit of fundamental physics may become less important in a future where consciousness is virtualized and everything becomes digital, leading to an eternity of disembodied consciousnesses pursuing scientific pursuits like Stephen Wolfram's "A New Kind of Science."