Is the Universe a Quantum Computer Algorithm?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between geometric forms and set theory, particularly in the context of Russell's paradox and the concept of isomorphism. Participants examine whether certain geometric representations can resolve logical paradoxes in set theory and how these ideas might relate to quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that a circle of radius R is isomorphic to a circle of radius 1/R, suggesting this could resolve Russell's paradox.
  • Another participant questions the use of isomorphism and the implications for the set of all sets that do not contain themselves.
  • Some participants argue that circles and squares can be considered isomorphic or homeomorphic, raising questions about the nature of geometric transformations.
  • There is a discussion about the cardinality of sets and how it relates to the power set, with some expressing uncertainty about its connection to isomorphisms.
  • Participants debate the definition and implications of set intersection, with differing views on whether it can be considered a form of multiplication.
  • One participant introduces the concept of light cones and their potential relationship to Venn diagrams and set theory.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the association of all sets with geometric forms, prompting further clarification and disagreement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the resolution of Russell's paradox or the validity of associating geometric forms with sets. Multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of isomorphisms, set intersection, and the implications for quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of isomorphism and homeomorphism, as well as the mathematical foundations underlying their claims. The discussion includes references to various mathematical concepts without resolving the underlying assumptions or definitions.

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A simple[trivial?] postulate that gives a "Universal Set" and resolves the "set of all sets" paradox[in the geometric sense]:

A circle of radius R, is isomorphic to a circle of radius 1/R.

[1/R]<--->[R]

For any arbitrarily large circle of radius R, there is an exact correspondence with a circle of radius 1/R, such, that the product R*[1/R] = 1
 
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and this resolves russell's paradox? so where is the set of all sets that do not contain themselves in this construction? and in what sense are you using isomorphism? in what category are your morphisms?
 
matt grime said:
and this resolves russell's paradox? so where is the set of all sets that do not contain themselves in this construction? and in what sense are you using isomorphism? in what category are your morphisms?

I don't think it resolves "russell's" paradox without some more work.

All circles are isomorphic to each other because they have the same shape. Likewise, all squares are isomorphic to each other. Now if sets can be transformed into geometric shapes, more specifically, circles, or "geometric shape-equivalents", the largest possible set with a geometric radius R, has a corresponding twin with radius 1/R.
 
well, when you've figured out what it is you're trying to prove let us know.
 
matt grime said:
well, when you've figured out what it is you're trying to prove let us know.

Here is a definition of the "Euler characteristic":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euler_characteristic


Graph Theory:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graph_theory


If a polyhedron has V vertices, F faces, E edges, and is topologically equivalent to the sphere, the equation is:

V + F - E = 2

2 is the "Euler characteristic" of the polyhedron.

Sets that are members of themselves correspond to a geometric form. Sets that are not members of themselves correspond to a different? geometric form.

Interesting.
 
Russell E. Rierson said:
I don't think it resolves "russell's" paradox without some more work.

All circles are isomorphic to each other because they have the same shape. Likewise, all squares are isomorphic to each other.

I thought circles were isomorphic with squares - they don't have to have the same shape.

Now if sets can be transformed into geometric shapes,

And the elements of the set transform into...?

more specifically, circles, or "geometric shape-equivalents", the largest possible set with a geometric radius R, has a corresponding twin with radius 1/R.

And I thought the paradox involved the cardinality of the Power Set being bigger than the cardinality of the Set (of all sets). I may be wrong...but what does this have to do with isomorphisms ?
 
Gokul43201 said:
I thought circles were isomorphic with squares - they don't have to have the same shape.

Circles are homeomorphic to squares, not isomorphic...?

http://www.rdrop.com/~half/Creations/Puzzles/TriangleShapes/

Goku43021 said:
And the elements of the set transform into...?

Elements of a set can be characterized as sets. All sets can be associated to geometric forms...?


Goku43201 said:
And I thought the paradox involved the cardinality of the Power Set being bigger than the cardinality of the Set (of all sets). I may be wrong...but what does this have to do with isomorphisms ?

Any circle of arbitrarily large radius R, is isomorphic to a circle of radius 1/R.

The magnitude of R corresponds to the cardinality of the powerset.

Is the set of all geometric forms, a geometric form?

Can Venn diagrams correspond to light cone cross sections?
 
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Can I answer your questions with more questions ?

PS : Yes that should have been homeomorphic. But I'm still not getting the point. What is the resolution of the paradox ?
 
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Gokul43201 said:
Can I answer your questions with more questions ?

PS : Yes that should have been homeomorphic. But I'm still not getting the point. What is the resolution of the paradox ?


Set intersection is a type of multiplication of sets.

The intersection of two circles of radius R and 1/R, respectively:

R*[1/R] = 1

R[<-[->[<-[1/R]->]<-]->]


The "Universal Set"

For the continual expansion of power set circle R, there corresponds circle[infinitesimal?] 1/R.
 
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  • #10
All sets can be associated to geometric forms...?

Not as far as I know.
 
  • #11
Russell E. Rierson said:
Set intersection is a type of multiplication of sets.

No, it's not ! It's just a process of picking the common elements.

You can have a set A containing millions of even numbers, and a set B containing thousands of odd numbers and you "multiply" them to get a null set ?
 
  • #12
Gokul43201 said:
No, it's not ! It's just a process of picking the common elements.

You can have a set A containing millions of even numbers, and a set B containing thousands of odd numbers and you "multiply" them to get a null set ?

Set intersection obeys the distributive law, which is a multiplicative law:

http://www.jgsee.kmutt.ac.th/exell/Logic/Logic31.htm#13

Two sets without common elements are disjoint.
 
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  • #13
Hurkyl said:
Not as far as I know.


Venn diagrams are circles...

Light cone cross sections are circles, ellipses, etc.
 
  • #14
Set intersection obeys the distributive law, which is a multiplicative law:

That doesn't mean set intersection has anything to do with arithmetic multiplication.


Venn diagrams are circles...

Light cone cross sections are circles, ellipses, etc.

And what does this have to do with associating all sets to geometric forms?
 
  • #15
Hurkyl said:
That doesn't mean set intersection has anything to do with arithmetic multiplication.


Since the circle of radius R is isomorphic to the circle of radius 1/R, the cardinality of Circle with radius R is on the same line[radius] as the infinitesimal 1/R

1/R 0--------0 R

Since they are on the same line, they intersect. But perhaps a new type of set multiplicative identity needs to be derived?





Hurkyl said:
And what does this have to do with associating all sets to geometric forms?

When two light cones intersect, they become "phase entangled". The intersection is much like a "set" intersection.


In ordinary quantum mechanics, configuration space is space itself
{i.e.,to describe the configuration of a particle, location in space
is specified}. In general relativity, there is a more general kind of
configuration space: taken to be the space of 3-metrics {"superspace",
not to be confused with supersymmetric space} in the geometrodynamics formulation. The wavefunctions[Venn diagrams-light cones] will be
functions over the abstract spaces, not space itself-- the
wavefunction defines "space itself".


The resultant metric spaces are thus defined as being diffeomorphism
invariant. Intersecting cotangent bundles{manifolds} are the set of
all possible configurations of a system, i.e. they describe the phase
space of the system. When the "wave-functions/forms"
intersect/entangle, and are "in phase", they are at "resonance",
giving what is called the "wave-function collapse" of the Schrödinger
equation. the action principle is a necessary consequence of the
resonance principle.
 
  • #16
Although you're using the words, you don't seem to be doing mathematics, so I'll move this thread over here.
 
  • #17
Russell E. Rierson said:
Venn diagrams are circles...

no they aren't. what idiot told you that?
 
  • #18
matt grime said:
no they aren't. what idiot told you that?

You appear to be acting like an ignorant troll.

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/VennDiagram.html

In general, an order-n Venn diagram is a collection of n simple closed curves in the plane such that

1. The curves partition the plane into 2^n connected regions, and

2. Each subset S of {1,2,3,...,n} corresponds to a unique region formed by the intersection of the interiors of the curves in S (Ruskey).


Actually, spacetime does not really need to be "sliced up" in that it can proceed in discrete steps, yet, still be continuous.

[density 1]--->[density 2]--->[density 3]---> ... --->[density n]


[<-[->[<-[-><-]->]<-]->]
Intersecting wavefronts = increasing density of spacelike slices

As the wavefronts[circles/Venn diagrams] intersect, it becomes a mathematical computation:

2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, ...2^n


If the universe includes everything that is real and excludes that which is not real, then the universe is the "Universal" set.

You cannot refute the above logic...
 
  • #19
Since when is a simple closed curve necessarily a circle? As you aren't the ignorant one you must surely know that in order to demonstrate all the possible intersections of 4 sets in a venn diagram you cannot use circles. Moreover, surely you, still not being the ignorant one, must also recognise that a venn diagram is not an element of itself, and thus to take the definition you give, and then deduce that a venn diagram is a circle is most definitely not a logical conclusion?


They, circles and closed curves in the plane, certainly aren't even isomorphic, using your particular definition of isomorphic which appears to mean related be some affine transformation when embedded in the plane.

But I am the ignorant troll, so what do I know about affine transformations? Proved Fermat's last theorem yet?
 
  • #21
Gee, are circles really closed simple curves? you'd have thought they'd have told me that at university. especially after i had to prove the jordan curve theorem...


a closed simple curve is not necessarily a circle a square being a simple closed curve that isn't a circle, an ellipse also being one, which is what you claimed, and what i pointed out was incorrect, which led you to call me ignorant... hmm, i always take preverse pleasure in being insulted by someone who can't understand a implies b is not equivalent to b implies a.

moreover your statement that a venn diagram is a circle is still incorrect, and now we've seen even more things you don't understand.
 
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  • #22
matt grime said:
a closed simple curve is not necessarily a circle


You mean to say, not all simple closed curves are circles.

Wake up.



matt grime said:
moreover your statement that a venn diagram is a circle is still incorrect, and now we've seen even more things you don't understand.

:zzz: :zzz: :zzz:
 
  • #23
Matt: You mean to say, not all simple closed curves are circles.

Russell: You mean to say, not all simple closed curves are circles.

Not only did he mean to say it, he did say it. Wake up, yourself, Russell.

He's right, Venn diagrams aren't circles. The definition of a Venn diagram that you quoted doesn't imply that they are, either. The definition of a Venn diagram refers only to the topology of the curves. The definition of a circle, on the other hand, is the locus of all points (x,y) that are equidistant from a fixed point (h,k). They don't mean the same thing.

Why can't you just accept that bit of correction?
 
  • #24
Tom Mattson said:
Not only did he mean to say it, he did say it. Wake up, yourself, Russell.

He's right, Venn diagrams aren't circles.

Why can't you just accept that bit of correction?


Here is what matt ...said:

a closed simple curve is not necessarily a circle

Yes, it is almost equivalent to: "not all simple closed curves are circles"


Tom Mattson said:
The definition of a Venn diagram refers only to the topology of the curves

The Venn diagrams have the property of logical inclusion/exclusion.

In nature, a sphere is the most energy efficient configuration. A 2D slice of that sphere is is a circle.

Yes, I accept correction. But what is the point of arguing and pedantic "nit-picking" over definitions?
 
  • #25
http://www.math.ohio-state.edu/~fiedorow/math655/Jordan.html


Jordan Curve Theorem: Any continuous simple closed curve in the plane, separates the plane into two disjoint regions, the inside and the outside.

Interesting...

Jordan-Schönflies Curve Theorem For any simple closed curve in the plane, there is a homeomorphism of the plane which takes that curve into the standard circle.


If the physical universe includes all that exists and excludes that which does not exist, then by definition, the universe is self containing.

A dynamic process.
 
  • #26
Russell E. Rierson said:
Here is what matt ...said:

a closed simple curve is not necessarily a circle

I know what Matt said.

Yes, it is almost equivalent to: "not all simple closed curves are circles"

There's no "almost". The two statements are equivalent.

The Venn diagrams have the property of logical inclusion/exclusion.

No, Venn diagrams have certain connectivity properties, as your Wikipedia definition states. It is the properties of a specific set, together with the set operations, that have logical inclusion/exclusion properties. Those are what determine how the Venn diagram are populated with elements.

In nature, a sphere is the most energy efficient configuration. A 2D slice of that sphere is is a circle.

So? Physics has no bearing on set theory, Venn diagrams, or circles.

Yes, I accept correction. But what is the point of arguing and pedantic "nit-picking" over definitions?

Because in mathematics, definitions are everything.

edit: fixed a quote bracket
 
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  • #27
You are subjectively claiming I am nitpicking; perhaps there is another interpretation? Seeing as you managed to misunderstand almost everything that has been written, including failure to understand the important mathematical usage of the word 'necessarily', I'm not going to overly worry about your opinion about what constitutes a 'nit'. Add into that the fact that most of your own posts are off topic in your own thread...
 
  • #28
Tom Mattson said:
I know what Matt said.



There's no "almost". The two statements are equivalent.


I disagree.


[1.] "A simple closed curve is not necessarily a circle"


[2.] "Not all simple closed curves are circles"


[1.] and [2.] are different. Not exactly equivalent.

[2.] better fits the context of THIS thread.




Tom Mattson said:
No, Venn diagrams have certain connectivity properties, as your Wikipedia definition states. It is the properties of a specific set, together with the set operations, that have logical inclusion/exclusion properties. Those are what determine how the Venn diagram are populated with elements.

A member of the set is included in the "simple closed curve".

That which is not a member of the set is excluded[outside] of the simple closed curve, i.e. a curve that is not necessarily a circle but it does have the property of closure. ...I hope you understand.





Tom Mattson said:
So? Physics has no bearing on set theory, Venn diagrams, or circles.

I disagree.

Didn't Ed Witten receive the Fields medal of mathematics for work he did in mathematical physics?


Physics would not exist without mathematics. Geometry can be expressed in terms of algebra. Einstein was very close to a "unified field theory" explained in terms of geometry.

Here is the relevant quote:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=23034&page=1&highlight=einstein+quantum+gravity

[...]

Since you raised the topic with the subject header, it's both
instructive and revealing to see what Einstein, himself, had to
say on the subject of quantum gravity at the end of his life:

"One can give good reasons why reality cannot at all be represented
by a continuous field. From the quantum phenomena it appears to
follow with certainty that a finite system of finite energy can be
completely described by a finite set of numbers (quantum numbers).
This does not seem to be in accordance with a continuum theory,
and must lead to an attempt to find a purely algebraic theory for
the description of reality. But [sic] nobody knows how to find
the basis of such a theory."



Tom Mattson said:
Because in mathematics, definitions are everything.


You refuse to let the horse out of the starting gate.
 
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  • #29
matt grime said:
You are subjectively claiming I am nitpicking; perhaps there is another interpretation? Seeing as you managed to misunderstand almost everything that has been written, including failure to understand the important mathematical usage of the word 'necessarily', I'm not going to overly worry about your opinion about what constitutes a 'nit'. Add into that the fact that most of your own posts are off topic in your own thread...


So you promise to go harrass someone else?

Thanks.
 
  • #30
Russell E. Rierson said:
I disagree.


[1.] "A simple closed curve is not necessarily a circle"


[2.] "Not all simple closed curves are circles"


[1.] and [2.] are different. Not exactly equivalent.

[2.] better fits the context of THIS thread.

The two statements are logically equivalent. They needn't have the same wording to be so.

A member of the set is included in the "simple closed curve".

That which is not a member of the set is excluded[outside] of the simple closed curve, i.e. a curve that is not necessarily a circle but it does have the property of closure. ...I hope you understand.

I do understand, and I stick with what I said before: It's not the Venn diagram that has the property of inclusion or exclusion, it's the description of the set, together with binary operators. The Venn diagram by itself can't exclude or include any element from anything.

I disagree.

Didn't Ed Witten receive the Fields medal of mathematics for work he did in mathematical physics?

What's that supposed to prove?

Physics would not exist without mathematics. Geometry can be expressed in terms of algebra. Einstein was very close to a "unified field theory" explained in terms of geometry.

That's not true at all. Experimental physics is not mathematical, but it's still physics. Of course, doing physics would be very difficult without math, but it certainly could exist without it.

You refuse to let the horse out of the starting gate.

Maybe it's time for you to consider that you really don't understand mathematics all that well. The objects of mathematics, and the rules of inference, are all based on definitions. Get those wrong, and you've got math wrong.
 

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