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Subject: Re: Assume there is a God.

Author: Graham Laight

Date: 02:57:24 11/21/00

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On November 20, 2000 at 20:13:28, Bruce Moreland wrote:

>You have to deal with this even if you don't bring theology (or free will versus
>determinism, which isn't dependent upon theologoy, I think) into it.  The game
>of chess is computable, it is possible to devise an algorithm that will prove
>the correct result for any specific position.  The only limitation is time of
>execution.
>
>So, when you make your move, you have to deal with the idea that there are one
>or more best moves in a given position, and it is possible in theory to know for
>a fact what they are.
>
>This wouldn't stop me from playing chess, I can't understand why it would stop
>anyone from playing chess.
>
>bruce

In respect of these thoughts, computer chess is unique.

Think about other sports where human endeavor has been surpassed by machines -
for example, racing.

First there was running. Then there was horse racing. Now there's motor racing.
All three sports are still going strongly - despite the existence of the others.

However - would motor racing still be as much fun if you already knew the result
before the race began?

I think there's a real possibility that computer chess will go that way. When 2
computers play each other, you will know, before the game begins, that it is
going to end in a draw (or, much less likely in my opinion, but still possible,
a win for white).

While this wouldn't immediately kill human chess, it would certainly kill
computer chess stone dead.

-g



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