David Wolpert "Slams Door" on Laplace's Demon

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In summary, the Wikipedia page for Laplace's demon discusses a 2008 proof by David Wolpert using Cantor diagonalization which disproves the concept of the demon proposed by Pierre-Simon Laplace in the early 1800s. This proof shows that there are quantities in any system that cannot be determined by any inference device within the system, making the idea of a demon that can predict the future state of the universe impossible.
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Dragonfall
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On the Wikipedia page about http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laplace%27s_demon" , it says

"In 2008, David Wolpert used Cantor diagonalization to "slam the door" on Laplace's demon."

I'm not sure what that means.
 
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Apparently (and I hope the physicists will weigh in on this) it means:

"Wolpert proves that in any [...] system of universes, quantities exist that cannot be ascertained by any inference device inside the system. Thus, the “demon” hypothesized by Pierre-Simon Laplace in the early 1800s (give the demon the exact positions and velocities of every particle in the universe, and it will compute the future state of the universe) is stymied if the demon must be a part of the universe."

http://jonesthought.wordpress.com/category/mathematics/
 

What is the concept of "David Wolpert Slams Door" on Laplace's Demon?

"David Wolpert Slams Door" on Laplace's Demon is a thought experiment proposed by physicist David Wolpert. It challenges the idea of determinism, which states that if we know the exact state of the universe at a given time, we can predict all future events. Wolpert's thought experiment suggests that even with perfect knowledge and understanding of the universe, there will always be events that are unpredictable and uncontrollable.

Why is this thought experiment important?

This thought experiment is important because it highlights the limitations of determinism and the concept of a "perfectly predictive" being, known as Laplace's Demon. It also raises questions about the role of randomness and free will in the universe, and challenges our understanding of causality and determinism.

How does this thought experiment relate to science?

This thought experiment relates to science in that it challenges the traditional scientific belief in determinism and the idea that all events can be predicted and controlled. It also highlights the importance of understanding and accounting for uncertainty and randomness in scientific theories and models.

What are the implications of this thought experiment?

The implications of this thought experiment are far-reaching and complex. It suggests that there are inherent limitations to our ability to understand and control the universe, and raises questions about the nature of reality and our place in it. It also has implications for fields such as physics, philosophy, and even ethics.

Are there any criticisms of this thought experiment?

Yes, there are some criticisms of this thought experiment. Some argue that it is based on a flawed understanding of determinism and randomness, and that it oversimplifies the concept of Laplace's Demon. Others argue that it relies too heavily on philosophical ideas rather than empirical evidence. However, the thought experiment continues to spark discussions and debates among scientists and philosophers alike.

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