rather, if one challenges a valid verbal theory one can usually find some way of convincing people that there is some “wiggle room”, that it may or may not be valid, etc. But a mathematical theory has, I think, an air of respectability that will make people pay attention, even if they don’t like it, and especially if they don’t actually understand the mathematics.
If your theory finds applications, (which, given the robotics revolution we seem to be in the middle of is not vastly unlikely), then it will further marginalize those who stick to the old convenient confusion about free will.
Of course, given what has happened with evolution (smart Christians accept it, but find excuses to still believe in God), I suspect that it will only have an incremental impact on religiosity, even amongst the elite.
Dennett and others have used multi-ton high explosives on the dead donkey. Why would nuclear weapons make a further difference?
People respond to math more than to words.
Er… no they don’t?
Some do.
rather, if one challenges a valid verbal theory one can usually find some way of convincing people that there is some “wiggle room”, that it may or may not be valid, etc. But a mathematical theory has, I think, an air of respectability that will make people pay attention, even if they don’t like it, and especially if they don’t actually understand the mathematics.
If your theory finds applications, (which, given the robotics revolution we seem to be in the middle of is not vastly unlikely), then it will further marginalize those who stick to the old convenient confusion about free will.
Of course, given what has happened with evolution (smart Christians accept it, but find excuses to still believe in God), I suspect that it will only have an incremental impact on religiosity, even amongst the elite.