Re:Grad Student Solved a Fundamental Quantum Computing Problem
by killjoywashere on Monday October 15, 2018 @08:09AM
(#18219027)
The lack of inspectability, it seems to me, would make quantum computing flat-out unacceptable in a variety of problem domains, including pretty much any decision support system. Not theoretically, so much as socially. In the way nuclear reactors are unacceptably risky to many who accept a far higher death toll associated with roofers falling to their deaths installing solar. Sure nuclear saves lives, but my aunt doesn't understand it and she finds it scary.
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Re:Grad Student Solved a Fundamental Quantum Computing Problem
by chasingthewind on Monday October 15, 2018 @09:18AM
(#18219398)
I think it's quite "rational" to find nuclear power far scarier than rooftop solar. The tail risk of nuclear power is Fukushima. I'm not even sure what the tail risk of rooftop solar would be. The average case outcome between these two isn't compelling for me.
Re:Grad Student Solved a Fundamental Quantum Computing Problem
by amarant on Monday October 15, 2018 @10:16AM
(#18219828)
still, if you count lives lost per kwh produced, nuclear is the safest source of energy around. that's gotta count for something
wish i had a better source handy, but this forbes article will have to do for now: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2012/06/10/energys-d...
Re:Grad Student Solved a Fundamental Quantum Computing Problem
by Schiphol on Monday October 15, 2018 @08:53AM
(#18219242)
I have a B. Eng. in chemical engineering, unlike "your auntie" I understand nuclear plenty, and still think, with most everyone else educated and uneducated alike, it's MUCH more dangerous than solar.
Re:Grad Student Solved a Fundamental Quantum Computing Problem
by demygale on Monday October 15, 2018 @09:13AM
(#18219367)
I’m a big proponent of nuclear energy. The benefits far outweigh the risks. But solar power has never rendered an area of the planet uninhabitable, so I understand the concern.
Re:Grad Student Solved a Fundamental Quantum Computing Problem
by Fuzzy_Logic on Monday October 15, 2018 @09:25AM
(#18219440)
Solar panels do come at an environmental cost, particularly in developing economies with little environmental regulation.
https://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/02/chinas-solar...
Re:Grad Student Solved a Fundamental Quantum Computing Problem
by killjoywashere on Saturday October 20, 2018 @12:07AM
(#18261720)
I have a degree in physics, am now a doctor studying cancer, lived on a nuclear aircraft carrier, and was sent to Japan to help with the Fukushima response. I'm not sure I agree about the danger of nuclear, but the lower energy levels involved in solar make it so much more politically attractive, there's not much sense in pursuing new civil nuclear production.