The future role of computation in science and society

Patrick Suppes

pp. 35-44

in: Dennis Dieks, Stephan Hartmann, Thomas Uebel, Marcel Weber, Maria C. Galavotti (eds), New directions in the philosophy of science, Berlin, Springer, 2014

Abstract

The future of data deluge in particle physics and astrophysics will be unparalleled in the history of science. After considering some examples, I look at future computation in scientific theories, and examine some of the difficulties that already exist. Again, with some examples, including scientific meteorology and weather forecasting, future limitations of theories are explored.The social and psychological implications of the endless and unstoppable intensity of conversations with other persons (cell phones always on) and most of our digital devices as well, are still unexplored. Moreover, it is hard to foresee what are the forces that will push back this deluge of talk. Perhaps, like children now in nursery, adults in the future will need time-outs for periods of silence. It seems likely that the impact of computation on society will continue to be, as it is now, in forms that were scarcely even imagined before the digital age. Reflections on this important shift are examined.I emphasize that predictions for more than a few decades should be thought of, and treated as, contributions to science fiction.