``I can't help but wonder about our conceptual need for "digital" abstractions.''
For example, quantum calculations can be performed on digital computer, or by an artificial system made up of superconducting Josephson junctions, or observed in crystal structures. There are tradeoffs between precision, realism, and scale to make. I think large scale computational science will increasingly depend on observing phenomena (e.g. natural or constructed atomic systems) in controlled settings and less on digital computers. Just because the Avogadro scales involved won't be possible even with gigawatt scale digital computers. Marcus ============================================================ FRIAM Applied Complexity Group listserv Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College to unsubscribe http://redfish.com/mailman/listinfo/friam_redfish.com
