The person depicted is Isaac Newton. Now, an algorithm named “Sir Isaac” in his honor is, according to its creators, a small but decisive step toward the “robot scientist.” The algorithm searches and finds “laws” underlying physical dynamic systems, including nonlinear biological systems. The original Newton would turn in his grave, but the world moves forward.
What are dynamic natural systems? Anything. From the behavior of chemical components during the creation of a chemical compound to the production of insulin by the pancreas. The advantage of this particular algorithm, according to its creators, is that it can draw “general conclusions” by evaluating and utilizing fewer data than conventional processes, human or electronic. In a way, it creates models of the phenomenon under study.
We do not know if this is a worrying new development for what is called “scientific thinking.” If, hopefully, it is proven in the future that various “high-level” degrees do not have, either, particular commercial value, their holders should not worry. There will always be some menial jobs for someone to do, among those that it will not be profitable to mechanize.