Geo-strategic issues Intelligent Design matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc Moving civilization forward Uncommon Descent Contest

How can we make low-energy concrete for the Moon or Mars — or, Earth?

The C18 rediscovery/ re-invention of concrete . . . it had apparently been made by the Romans, Greeks and Egyptians [–> earlier, the Nabataeans] (and many natural, volcanic or sedimentary rocks are concrete-like) . . . opened up a world of new building possibilities; especially, when it is reinforced by steel. As, we can see Read More…

Defending our Civilization Geo-strategic issues governance Lessons of History matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc Media Signs of our times UD Newswatch highlights Video

Today is 9-11-01 + 18 years, let us remember

We owe a debt of honour to remember. So, in absence of the full 9 -hour CNN feed that seems to no longer be there, first NBC live: Here is a timeline: Let us remember, and let us remember that September 11, 2001 was the 318th anniversary of the lifting of the last, 1683 Ottoman Read More…

Chemistry Logic and First Principles of right reason Mathematics matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc

Burning a brick in Fluorine — physical/chemical properties in action

In the demonstration below, a bit of acetone has been put on the corner of the brick to get the process started: This demonstrates the remarkable effects of inherent, embedded, intelligible structural, quantitative properties of fluorine and other elements and molecules. With lesser materials, we can see similar, even more spectacular effects: Notice, the table Read More…

brains and computation vs contemplation Darwinist rhetorical tactics Logic and First Principles of right reason matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc Mind Science, Mathematics, Philosophy and (Natural) Theology Selective Hyperskepticism

Logic and First Principles, 11: The logic of Ultimate Mind as Source of Reality

After we headlined and began discussing PS on hearing and consciousness yesterday, H raised a significant issue: H, 15: >> . . . the invocation of a Creator who “beautifully designed what each sound should sound like” and “put the special program that can interpret each frequency pattern of air vibration into each sound, thus Read More…

Artificial Intelligence Back to Basics of ID brains and computation vs contemplation Computing, AI, Cybernetics and Mechatronics matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc Science, worldview issues/foundations and society UD's Sci-Tech watch

How do memristors work? [Onward implications for Strong AI.]

Memristors are in effect tunable resistors; where a resistive state can be programmed [and changed, so far a very finite number of times]. This means they can store and process information, especially by carrying out weighted-product summations and vector-based matrix array product summations. Such are very powerful physically instantiated mathematical operations. For example, here is Read More…

Astronomy Atheism Mathematics matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc Science, Mathematics, Philosophy and (Natural) Theology Science, worldview issues/foundations and society Selective Hyperskepticism

My conclusion (so far) on the suggested infinite past, beginningless physical world: not plausible, likely not possible, here’s why

One of the more astonishing points of debate that has come out at UD is that at least some defenders of the evolutionary materialistic view are prepared to argue for or assume as default that we have had a beginningless past for the physical world.  This has come up several times in recent years and Read More…

Back to Basics of ID Big Bang Logic and First Principles of right reason Mathematics matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc Science, Mathematics, Philosophy and (Natural) Theology

Fun with the hyperreal numbers (and with the idea of an infinite actual past)

The hyperreals are an extension of the real number line that brings to bear a reciprocal relationship between the very large and the very small. By so introducing extensions to the real number continuum, it forms a base for an infinitesimals approach to the calculus and makes sense of a lot of the tricks used Read More…

knowledge matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc Science science education UD's Sci-Tech watch warrant, knowledge, science and belief

What about the elusive dream: metallic hydrogen?

With metal-like superionic water already on the table, why not look at the seemingly evasive metallic hydrogen? A year ago, there was a happy announcement (and an article in Science), but doubts have since been entertained; indeed Science issued a correction to the original paper. Science: >>Producing metallic hydrogen has been a great challenge in Read More…

Logic and First Principles of right reason matter, thus atoms, ions, molecules, phases etc Physics popular science and science education UD's Sci-Tech watch

Why is it that there is discussion of superionic water as being both solid and liquid?

One of the things that struck me in looking at superionic water is how it is so often spoken of as though it were partly liquid and partly solid. I did a spot of reflection, which I am thinking it may help to headline. Where, some of the ideas being brought up will help us Read More…