I think the Boltzmann machine is a really beautiful model, even from the mathematical point of view. I’m still a little bit shocked when I learned that the Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 goes to ML/DL, as much as I also like (theoretical) computer science.
4 Likes
As a physicist (but now working in the ML field)…I am a bit surprised. To say the least.
4 Likes
Similar background: physicists are attempting to remind the public of how specific physical models influenced early AI models, which sounds like a political ploy. Physics research has always been funded on the hope that it will result in significant but unforeseeable technological advances in the far future (transistors, satellites / GPS, fiber optics / laser, touch screens, etc. are examples; incorporating deep learning into this list could only be beneficial). With the current buzz and avalanche of funding surrounding AI, this could attract more funding to physics research.
Unexpected, to be sure, but not unreasonable in my opinion.
4 Likes
It won’t be a bad thing to see more funding go to physics.
3 Likes
same, and I have conflicting emotions. Although I believe these things are admirable, why the Nobel Prize in physics? At best, the connection is shaky. Hopfield has some credentials in physics, but not nearly as much as many who have been passed over for the Nobel Prize. I’m not clear why, as Hinton never held a position in physics. It just sounds like a publicity-seeking political stunt, which is not something the Nobel committee should be doing.
2 Likes
I am curious as to why. I am trained in math/econ so I am able to comment on the Fields Medal and Nobel Prize in economics but not physics.
1 Like