Kevin Garnett — A Short Guide to Hard Problems

A bit wonkish, but interesting.

Big implications for the transition from the analog era that has lasted throughout history up to now into the digital age. An important iteration in the digital age has taken place already. (This has some people concerned that humans will lose control to AI.)

Quantum computers appear to be different from classical computers such that they may result in different categories of problems that the machines can respectively handle. This can be seen by examining algorithmic problem solving capability and computational power.

So in addition to the size of problems that can be solved, there may also be a categorical difference, putting some problem types beyond the ability of human intelligence not only in terms of size in relation to speed, but also category.

Quantum computing may not just be faster but also of a different order than human intelligence. Are we facing looking like great apes relative to human beings as the digital age unfolds. It also raise questions about just who owns and controls the computing power, since it will profoundly affect the social, political and economic aspects of life as a whole. 

 

Quanta
A Short Guide to Hard Problems

Kevin Garnett, senior writer

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