[FOM] why should we, in computer science, be excited about the possibility of speeds exceeding speed of light

[Paul Budnik]

About a year ago I published a paper in _Complex Systems_ ( 
http://www.complex-systems.com/pdf/19-2-2.pdf ) arguing that a fully 
discrete model with a regular topology must have faster than light 
effects to approximate the wave equation. I suggested the best place to 
look for them was in tests of Bells Inequality which might reveal a 
local but superluminal universe. Einstein came to suspect that a fully 
discrete model for physics might eventually lead to a falsification of 
relativity.  "I consider it quite possible that physics cannot be based 
on the field concept, i. e., on continuous structures. In that case 
_nothing_ remains of my entire castle in the air gravitation theory 
included, [and of] the rest of modern physics" From _Subtle is the Lord_ 
by Abraham Pais. page467.

Although the odds are against it, it is just possible that we are seeing 
the first experimental glimpse into the discrete universe that concerned 
Einstein and that will revolutionize physics and possibly lead to 
immensely smaller and more powerful computers. It could even influence 
the foundations of mathematics. I started looking into this field when I 
became convinced that developing a discrete model for physics would only 
be possible with experimental guidance and wanted to understand the 
continuum in mathematics.

Paul Budnik
www.mtnmath.com

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