DETERMINISM OR RANDOM? Pick a side

In summary, there is a debate between determinism and randomness in physics, with some physicists like Einstein strongly believing in determinism while others like Michio Kaku leaning towards indeterminism. However, this debate is not a new one and has been resolved in favor of indeterminism by experiments and mathematical proofs. The issue now is reconciling determinism with quantum mechanics without breaking other established physics principles. Popular science accounts often conflate this issue with frontier physics like string theory, but these are separate discussions. In physics, one does not pick sides based on authority, but rather relies on math and experiments to determine the truth.
  • #36
Drakkith said:
Given the OP's strong opposition to learning absolutely anything, I motion that this thread be locked.
Agreed.
 
<h2>1. What is determinism?</h2><p>Determinism is the philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by previous causes and cannot be changed. This means that everything that happens in the universe is the result of a chain of cause and effect.</p><h2>2. What is randomness?</h2><p>Randomness, also known as indeterminism, is the opposite of determinism. It is the belief that some events or phenomena occur without any cause or pattern, and are instead the result of chance or probability.</p><h2>3. Is determinism or randomness the correct view?</h2><p>This is a highly debated question and there is no clear answer. Some philosophers argue that determinism is supported by scientific evidence and logical reasoning, while others believe that randomness is a fundamental aspect of the universe. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal belief.</p><h2>4. How does determinism or randomness affect free will?</h2><p>Determinism suggests that free will is an illusion, as our actions are predetermined by previous causes. On the other hand, randomness allows for the possibility of free will, as our choices may not be determined by any external factors.</p><h2>5. Can determinism and randomness coexist?</h2><p>Some philosophers argue that determinism and randomness are not mutually exclusive and can coexist in certain situations. For example, quantum mechanics suggests that some events at the subatomic level are random, while larger events may still follow deterministic patterns. Others believe that the two are fundamentally incompatible and must be viewed as separate and opposing concepts.</p>

1. What is determinism?

Determinism is the philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by previous causes and cannot be changed. This means that everything that happens in the universe is the result of a chain of cause and effect.

2. What is randomness?

Randomness, also known as indeterminism, is the opposite of determinism. It is the belief that some events or phenomena occur without any cause or pattern, and are instead the result of chance or probability.

3. Is determinism or randomness the correct view?

This is a highly debated question and there is no clear answer. Some philosophers argue that determinism is supported by scientific evidence and logical reasoning, while others believe that randomness is a fundamental aspect of the universe. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal belief.

4. How does determinism or randomness affect free will?

Determinism suggests that free will is an illusion, as our actions are predetermined by previous causes. On the other hand, randomness allows for the possibility of free will, as our choices may not be determined by any external factors.

5. Can determinism and randomness coexist?

Some philosophers argue that determinism and randomness are not mutually exclusive and can coexist in certain situations. For example, quantum mechanics suggests that some events at the subatomic level are random, while larger events may still follow deterministic patterns. Others believe that the two are fundamentally incompatible and must be viewed as separate and opposing concepts.

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