Copyrights © 2003 by Rolf Mifflin
The
grail machine
The formal construction of thinking machines and our own minds
Table of Essays
One: Temporal propositions and the solution to the Gödelian paradox.
Abstract: Here I present an extension to symbolic logic - the temporal propositions, as well as the intuition on which they are based. This extended logic allows statements that emulate the entire breadth of human thought. As an example of their utility, I will present language in this new formalism that exceeds the limitations of Gödel’s Second Incompleteness Theorem. I will also introduce a few of the scientific and philosophical ramifications of these propositions and make initial suggestions regarding a symbolic theory through which to formally and completely express our own minds and artificial minds.
Two: ZF+: A set theory for describing the mind
Abstract: The complete description of the mind, as well as of the universe that allows the mind, requires a formal language beyond any in common use today ('03). Here I present a modified version of Zermelo-Fraenkel set formalism sufficient to make statements completely equivalent to our thoughts and, so, symbolically present the systems of artificial minds I argue are constructible to modern science. This modified set theory is called ZF+.
Three: The physical construction of free will
Abstract: The mind can be described as a system whose information-processing is based on the creation of information. Amind Theory is the description of the mind through its capability to create information by non-classical means. That creative ability is the basis for free will in nature, defined more specifically for thinking machines by the majuscular term Free Will. Mechanical devices called Resolving Switches (RS) then provide the basis of Free Will for computer-like systems called grail machines.