Number 104 : December 2000 |
In Dr Martin Kusch's "sepo" game the processes of changing the "sepo.array" are presumably not arbitrary, altered at random, as this would be absurd. But what is the rationale of the process of selection based on observation. If it is based on the observation of a certain quality by one or two observers, it is "peko". If it is based on the observation of qualities by the majority of three or more observers it is sepo . This is to claim very little.
If the "sepo" group of observers changes either its mind or its composition then the potential for absurdity arises. Let A and B be defining qualities such that group A qualities signify a new scientific discovery and B signifies no new discovery. Under "sepo" rules A can change into B in the sepo array.
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ABB |
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ABB |
BB |
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ABB |
BB |
BBB |
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B |
Let us use the example given of a bulldozer turning into a cat. Define each in terms of three qualities, mobile, consumes fuel, noisy. It can readily be seen that if we define a bulldozer as mobile on caterpillar tracks, a petrol guzzler and having a loud motor and a cat as a paw pacer, milk guzzler, caterwauler then the sepo array for earth movers could change to cats very easily removing both usefulness and clarity altogether.
Roger Farnworth