Re: Deep Thoughts # 7: A New Kind of Mathematics

From: Jesse F. Hughes (jesse_at_phiwumbda.org)
Date: 06/22/04 

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2004 12:01:41 +0200

chvol@aol.com (Charlie-Boo) writes:

> jesse@phiwumbda.org (Jesse F. Hughes) wrote
>> >>> ...a computer program to generate the natural numbers:
>> >>>
>> >>> 1. Initialize variable X to the value 0.
>> >>> 2. Output the current value of X.
>> >>> 3. Add 1 to X.
>> >>> 4. Go back to step 2 above.
>>
>> Sorry, what is the point of this thread exactly? That one can make an
>> infinite loop which outputs the sequence 0,1,2,... (ignoring number
>> representation issues which would presumably cause this to cycle)? I
>> think everyone believes this fact already.
>
> The point is that all of Peano's Axioms can be derived from the
> computer program,[...]

Not your point. I understood all I wanted to about your point. It's
the fact that others felt compelled to write infinite loops doing
nothing in particular in the language of their choice.

(Yes, yes, I know: it's not nothing, it is instead yielding the Peano
Axioms in some thoroughly unspecified manner. Whatever.) 

-- 
"By initially making it virtually impossible to maintain a heterogenous
environment of Word 95 and Word 97 systems, Microsoft offered its customers
that most eloquent of arguments for upgrading: the delicate sound of a
revolver being cocked somewhere just out of sight."  --Dan Martinez

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