I think current mathematics *really* needs the boost of
programming. [I never liked mathematics but I learned
programming at 11 yrs old.. and I'm 42 now - self-taught - and
"thinking like a programmer" got me through math classes. I
analogized the formulas to for/next loops and visualized the
writing of the BASIC programs in my mind... ]
So were it me, I'd recast mathematics away from 18th century
formulations and into .. well.. 18th century knitting machines
using Wolfram's concepts as a basis for it... on computers and
such.
It'll help get us into the technologies we're looking for, and
will resolve a number of current problems in physics, I believe
and produce some fantastic engineering potential for new
computers, new stuff, even new ways of seeing reality.
On an "ultimate level" I don't think it's quite enough; but for
today's world, I think it's exactly what we need to move forward
for a century or two more of development; just like the concepts
and discoveries of the 1820s-1880s have been realized in the
technologies of the 20h and early 21st centuries.
We're the embodiment of the dreams of 150 years ago.
Cellular automata can bring us forward to another stage. I know
Wolfram believes it, and I believe, if he gets enough people to
believe it too, some wonderful change can take place that will
last for decades or even a century or two.
Still though... there will always be at "something" that is
misses; the problem of ambiguity. The "us" part. That doesn't
take away from its usefulness - but there's still some missing
pieces.
Surprise for example and awkwardness. I broke the "fourth wall"
of the discussion by showing my face, talking with you about
direct contact with these people; that changed the course of the
experience of the discussion for at least a moment. Breaking
context typically feels awkward or at least annoying or
ridiculous... but there's a twinge of surprise or a roll of the
eyes.
CA - I can't see predicting that. Good for what it's good for
but for the unexpected? That's the stuff I'm working on
