# Computations and Physical Processes Represent Abstract Concepts TODO Another way to think about this is that both [Physical Experiments](Physical%20Experiment.md) and [Computation](Computation.md) are fundamentally about [Physical Processes](Physical%20Process.md) governed by rules and that they both involve physical entities that represent [abstract concepts](Abstractions.md). The key is that a computation is a physical process with a structure designed to mirror an abstract process, and therefore any physical process that has such a structure can be considered a type of computation. But does this hold true for Physical *Processes*? Say that we are no longer considering [Physical Experiments](Physical%20Experiment.md), but instead [Physical Processes](Physical%20Process.md); can any physical process be regarded as a computation? Yes, any [Physical Process](Physical%20Process.md), not just a [Physical Experiment](Physical%20Experiment.md), can be regarded as a [Computation](Computation.md). --- Ah okay let me rephrase, Do Physical objects and processes - not being part of some experiment - always represent abstract concepts? Or only sometimes? Based on the provided sources, even when physical objects and processes are not part of a formal experiment, they **always represent abstract concepts**, not just sometimes. The sources emphasize that our perception and understanding of the world are inherently theory-laden. This means that we cannot observe or experience anything without some form of interpretation that relies on abstract concepts. Here's a breakdown of why this is the case, according to the sources: - **Theory-Laden Observation**: All observation is inherently theory-laden, meaning that our understanding of what we perceive is shaped by the abstract concepts and theories we already possess. Even the simplest act of experiencing an object requires a framework of understanding. For instance, seeing a rock involves implicit concepts of solidity, location, and interaction with other objects, as well as the concept that it is a rock and not something else. Even the act of seeing itself is theory laden. - **Explanatory Frameworks**: We rely on explanatory frameworks to make sense of the world. These frameworks are built upon abstract concepts. A simple example is the concept of a 'shadow,' which we understand in terms of light, objects, and their interaction, not from raw sense data. Similarly, our understanding of a rock involves the concept of an external, physical object with properties such as mass, density and location. - **Abstraction in Perception**: Our senses provide us with data, but it is our brains that interpret this data using abstract concepts. For example, we perceive a chair and understand its function and purpose, which are abstract ideas, not just its physical characteristics. - **Representation of Abstractions**: Physical objects, even outside of experiments, often act as models or representations of abstract concepts. For instance, a natural pattern, like a crystal, can represent the abstract concept of symmetry and order. The very existence of the universe as a physical object can be seen as representing the abstract concept of physical reality itself. Even our brains model abstract concepts, for example when doing mathematics. - **Complexity and Autonomy**: The way physical objects and processes behave autonomously and complexly serves as a criteria for determining their reality. This "kicking back" depends on how an object affects us in ways that require independent explanation. This is not limited to experimental contexts; it is a fundamental way we perceive and understand the world. - **Emergent Phenomena**: Our understanding of everyday events relies on emergent phenomena that arise from the interactions of many components. These emergent phenomena are described using higher-level, abstract concepts. Even something as simple as boiling water is not just the movement of molecules, but is a physical process understood by concepts of heat, energy and phase change, concepts that are not inherent in raw sense data. - **The role of interpretation**: As stated before, the sources emphasize that our experiences are always interpretations, never raw unmediated data. Even in the most ordinary situations, how we interpret what is happening depends on our existing theories. In summary, physical objects and processes, whether part of an experiment or not, **always represent abstract concepts** because our perception and understanding are inextricably linked to the abstract frameworks we use to interpret the world. We cannot escape this, even in the most seemingly direct or simple interactions with the world. --- Date: 20241230 Links to: Tags: References: * []()