Comment Validity of Computation Reinforcement? (Score 1) 120
I always wonder about experiments like this: exactly how certain can we be that the calculations aren't simply producing the theorized result because the calculations assume the theory (directly or indirectly) to begin with?
It's a subtle point, but I think it's something that should always be double checked. How do we know that our mathematical equations apply in all simulated situations, and that they don't break down under different circumstances? What assumptions are we making about reality, and how sure are we that they remain true under the circumstances being calculated?
IANAP, so I really have no clue how to begin answering these questions, but I think they should always be asked.
It's a subtle point, but I think it's something that should always be double checked. How do we know that our mathematical equations apply in all simulated situations, and that they don't break down under different circumstances? What assumptions are we making about reality, and how sure are we that they remain true under the circumstances being calculated?
IANAP, so I really have no clue how to begin answering these questions, but I think they should always be asked.
