Limits of Knowledge in Distributed Systems and the Fallen World

Limits of Knowledge in Distributed Systems and the Human Condition

Kim Kihlstrom

Westmont College

In a seminal work in distributed computer systems, Halpern and Moses [1] wrote, “distributed knowledge corresponds to knowledge that is ‘distributed’ among the members of a group, while common knowledge corresponds to a fact being ‘publicly known.’” They demonstrated that, while being highly desirable, common knowledge is unattainable in any practical distributed system.

This limit on knowledge attainable in a distributed system provides insight into the larger picture of the human condition. In I Corinthians 13:12 we read “for now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.” While God’s view is perfect and complete in knowledge, we as limited humans cannot attain common knowledge in this life.

I plan to explore these ideas more fully; through a study of scripture, through further reading on knowledge in distributed systems, and through readings in philosophy and theology.