Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku discusses his new book, Quantum Supremacy: How the Quantum Computer Revolution Will Change Everything. He explores how quantum computing may eventually illuminate the deepest mysteries of science and solve some of humanity’s biggest problems, like global warming, world hunger, and incurable disease.From Peter Woit's blog:
Out of interest, why is there no public effort by physicists to counter the relentless nonsense coming from Kaku?Woit also recommend this rambling video on string theory lied to us and now science communication is hard. Yes, I think that the credibility of all physicists is diminished by crackpot claims going unrebutted.I know that there is a LOT of hype and inaccurate information in pop Sci books and science magazines, but Kaku seems to be responsible for a disproportionately large share of the garbage! ...
That’s a good question, one I’ve asked people over the years. On the string theory front, Kaku has been writing misleading popular books on the topic for over 35 years. Most string theorists agree, at least privately, that what he writes and says has become increasingly inaccurate and increasingly embarrassing. They generally however make the argument: “dealing with this is not my responsibility, there’s loads of misleading stuff out there about science. And, maybe it will have a positive effect, getting young people and the public interested in this kind of science, going on to read better books.” ...
As for his nonsense about quantum computing, there’s so much promotional bullshit going on that it’s understandable that anyone wanting to do something about this has no particular reason to start with Kaku.
Kaku is a science 'populizer', which basically means he does glossy PR, not actual science. I put him squarely in the 'gee whiz, isn't this just like a Star Trek plot device' category.
ReplyDeleteDear Roger,
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out Prof. Dr. Woit's post. I these days don't read him too much.
> “dealing with this is not my responsibility, there’s loads of misleading stuff out there about science. And, maybe it will have a positive effect, getting young people and the public interested in this kind of science, going on to read better books.”
I think that the insights provided by the nonlinear dynamics and the catastrophe theory (including ``chaos theory,'' if you are an American from the fag end of the last century) have a relevance here.
There is tipping point at which the ``may be'' part begins to attract and be rewarded the worse than the very best into this government-sponsored industry. And, a government-sponsored industry, it must be called. One doesn't have the courage to call it a line of the researches of an individual.
Given the demands of making discoveries in science, not to mention the luminous history of the same, and the nonlinear dynamics and the catastrophe theory, not having the very best being able to make into it is the same as forcefully promoting the worst in it. Rather on the first count, that is.
Best,
--Ajit
[E&OE]
So, Roger,
ReplyDeleteHow's life?
Any better than the Brahmins in your country?
Just asking, you know....
They don't let me have a good one in my own country, and, with my eyes, I can see that they are trying to take over yours too...
Not that your religion was any better than these Brahmins. Certainly not for me. Certainly not the first time I experienced them in my IV standard.
But, I gather, your Religion is just as bad. Actually, worse. I gather that from the Hindu Hindu Hindu Brahmins firmly settled in your country.
Still want to talk to me?
My skin colour is brown. Also, now, I am too old. But people still know me by actual name.
Friends?
Best,
--Ajit
Yes, we have Brahmins in the USA. Some make a lot of money. No, their religion is not any better.
ReplyDelete