Syntax, Semantics, and Segfaults (Page 3)

Thoughts

Addressing the Conjunction Fallacy in Probabilistic Information Retrieval: From Theory to Practice

1. Introduction In our previous explorations of probabilistic frameworks for information retrieval, we examined how transformations like softmax and sigmoid convert raw similarity scores into probabilities, enabling principled fusion of heterogeneous retrieval systems. While these transformations provide elegant mathematical foundations for ranking, they introduce a critical challenge when handling conjunctive

Programming

The Computational Power of C++ Templates: A Formal Proof of Turing Completeness

Abstract This essay presents a rigorous mathematical proof demonstrating that C++ template metaprogramming is Turing complete. By constructing a formal mapping between the components of a Turing machine and C++ template metaprogramming mechanisms, we establish that templates can simulate any computation performable by a Turing machine. Beyond the theoretical implications,

Thoughts

Beyond Mathematical Unity: From the XOR Problem to the Theoretical Limits of Backpropagation

Introduction Our previous exploration of "The Mathematical Unity of Sigmoid, Perceptron, Logistic Regression, and Softmax" established the foundational equivalences between these core machine learning concepts. We demonstrated how sigmoid-activated perceptrons are mathematically identical to logistic regression, and how softmax functions generalize sigmoid to multi-class scenarios. This mathematical unity

Thoughts

The Mathematical Unity of Sigmoid, Perceptron, Logistic Regression, and Softmax

Introduction In the landscape of machine learning and neural networks, certain mathematical formulations stand as foundational pillars upon which more complex architectures are built. Among these are the sigmoid function, the perceptron model, logistic regression, and the softmax function. While often introduced as separate concepts, these mathematical constructs share profound

Thoughts

Progressive and Adaptive Hyperparameter Estimation in BM25 Probability Transformation: A Unified Approach

1. Introduction The transformation of BM25 similarity scores into probability estimates represents a critical challenge in information retrieval systems. This process is essential for creating interpretable search results and enabling integration with probabilistic frameworks. While supervised learning approaches using query-document relevance pairs typically yield optimal results, practical implementations often face

Thoughts

Beyond Softmax: Probabilistic Foundations and Bayesian Frameworks in Hybrid Search

Introduction In our previous exploration of probability transformations in vector search, we examined how softmax enables the normalization of disparate scoring systems into comparable probabilistic frameworks. This follow-up article delves deeper into the mathematical theory underpinning these transformations, with a specific focus on Bayesian probabilistic frameworks and their application to

Thoughts

Syntax, Semantics, and Computation: A Formal Theory of Indirect Turing Completeness

Introduction The previous essays in this series have explored the computational nature of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their relationship to classical computation theory. In "Syntax, Semantics, and Computation: LLMs and Their Computational Boundaries," we established that LLMs themselves are not Turing-complete in the traditional sense due to

Thoughts

A Wittgensteinian Critique of Heidegger's Views on Understanding and Technology

Introduction Martin Heidegger and Ludwig Wittgenstein represent two of the most influential philosophical voices of the 20th century, each offering profound insights into the nature of understanding, language, and human existence. While they share certain concerns—particularly a critique of traditional metaphysics and a focus on everyday practices—their approaches

Thoughts

Wittgenstein's Certainty and Understanding: Another Perspective on the Illusion of Direct Experience

Introduction In our previous exploration of "The Illusion of Direct Experience," we examined how human perception is not the immediate access to reality it appears to be, but rather a sophisticated neural construction. We argued that the brain's interpretive processes—translating sensory signals into coherent experiences—

Thoughts

The Illusion of Direct Experience: Reconsidering the Grounding Problem in Human and Artificial Understanding

Introduction The advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) has precipitated a fundamental reconsideration of what constitutes "understanding." A persistent critique of these systems centers on their lack of "direct sensory experience" of the world they describe through language. According to critics, LLMs merely process tokens—symbolic

Thoughts

Beyond Tokens: Reconsidering Understanding in Large Language Models

Introduction The advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) has precipitated a profound philosophical quandary regarding the nature of understanding itself. These systems—trained on vast corpora of human-written text—demonstrate capabilities that would unquestionably be labeled as "understanding" if exhibited by humans. They can interpret nuanced requests, recognize

Thoughts

Computational Graph Logging and Differential Analysis for LLM Function Extraction

Abstract This research essay explores a novel approach to understanding Large Language Models (LLMs) through computational graph logging and differential analysis. We propose treating LLMs as complex mathematical functions and extracting their functional behavior by systematically logging kernel operations during inference. Our approach introduces two key innovations: (1) probabilistic kernel

Latest

Addressing the Conjunction Fallacy in Probabilistic Information Retrieval: From Theory to Practice

The Computational Power of C++ Templates: A Formal Proof of Turing Completeness

Beyond Mathematical Unity: From the XOR Problem to the Theoretical Limits of Backpropagation

The Mathematical Unity of Sigmoid, Perceptron, Logistic Regression, and Softmax

Progressive and Adaptive Hyperparameter Estimation in BM25 Probability Transformation: A Unified Approach

Beyond Softmax: Probabilistic Foundations and Bayesian Frameworks in Hybrid Search

Syntax, Semantics, and Computation: A Formal Theory of Indirect Turing Completeness

A Wittgensteinian Critique of Heidegger's Views on Understanding and Technology

Wittgenstein's Certainty and Understanding: Another Perspective on the Illusion of Direct Experience

The Illusion of Direct Experience: Reconsidering the Grounding Problem in Human and Artificial Understanding

Beyond Tokens: Reconsidering Understanding in Large Language Models

Computational Graph Logging and Differential Analysis for LLM Function Extraction