How do humans succeed in tasks like proving Fermat's Theorem or predicting the Higgs boson?

TL;DR

This paper explores the challenges humans face in complex problem-solving tasks like proving Fermat's Theorem and predicting the Higgs boson, focusing on computational limits and discovery algorithms.

Contribution

It analyzes the computational and algorithmic factors influencing human success in solving difficult scientific problems.

Findings

Inversion of feasibly computable functions is a key challenge.

Optimal discovery algorithms have inherent performance overheads.

Understanding these factors can improve problem-solving strategies.

Abstract

I discuss issues of inverting feasibly computable functions, optimal discovery algorithms, and the constant overheads in their performance.