Standard Computation

Main Article: Computation

In the context of this wiki, standard computation refers to any computational process that only utilizes a small number of primitive physical mechanisms. The basic example of a system carrying out standard computation is the regular digital computer with Von-Neumann architecture. Such computers typically only utilize physical mechanisms to represent bits and primitive logical operations on bits, deriving their computational prowess from how those mechanisms are sequentially utilized. (Note that this sequential utilization can be regulated with high precision through software.) In general, such designs (i.e., systems whose complexity is due to the manner of usage of their physical mechanisms rather than the physical mechanisms themselves) achieve high levels of computational generality, which can be formalized via the concept of Turing-completeness. Note that even non-binary, analog, and neuromorphic artificial computers perform exclusively standard computation.

Conversely, nonstandard computation refers to computational processes that utilize complex physical mechanisms, such as mechanical integrators.

Academic discussions typically treat "computation" as synonymous with standard computation. For example, complexity theory relies on the assumption that time and space requirements can be counted in discrete units, which assumes an ontology of both discrete physical operations and discrete informational units.

In this wiki, computation is discussed due to its relationship to consciousness. In particular, QRI believes that standard computation cannot lead to unified conscious entities, primarily due to the binding problem. Thus, computation provides a lens through which to analyze the consciousness (or lack thereof) of both biological brains and AI systems.