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Date: Mon, 22 Jul 1996 15:10:04 -0400 From: Hallam-Baker <hallam@ai.mit.edu> Subject: Re: Responding to Pre-dawn Unannounced Ninja Raids

The "laws" of social scienst are not the "laws of physics". The "laws of physics" aren't so constant either. Theoretical results should inform the intellect not serve as a substitute for it.

The laws of social science are the consequence of the laws of physics. One of the primary, if not the primary, assumption of Physics is that natural laws are isotropic and homogeneous. If they are not then we are all in deep deep trouble (Vinge not withstanding). The relationship between the laws of social science and physics is analgous to the relationship between the base pairs in DNA and the concept of a gene. There is a distinct difference in the nature but the latter can not exist without the former.

If you apply genetic programming techniques to the system the strategy that evolves is typically a cooperative one. The facts is that the theory applied in an evolutionary context disproves Perry.

One of the primary observations about genetic programming is that the max you get is best considered local and 'good enough', not optimal. An argument based on genetic programming must admit prima facia that there is the potential for a better answer. Jim Choate