Is it possible that god does not play dice with the universe, as Einstein said?

In summary, the existence of true randomness in the universe can be tested by exploring information and relationships that are not known to us, and considering non-local components to maintain causality. Some interpretations of quantum mechanics do not involve randomness, and testing these interpretations can be challenging.
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KarminValso1724
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How could it be tested that there exists true randomness in the universe? One could simply argue that the is information that we do not posses that causes the outcome of a measurement to occur, right?
 
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  • #2
KarminValso1724 said:
How could it be tested that there exists true randomness in the universe? One could simply argue that the is information that we do not posses that causes the outcome of a measurement to occur, right?

Sure, there could be information and relationships which are not known to us. They must include non-local components if causality is to be retained (per Bell's Theorem).
 
  • #3
Some interpretations of quantum mechanics do not have randomness. If you look at the table in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpretations_of_quantum_mechanics
the first column is deterministic.

For the most part, if a collapse of the wavefunction occurs, then it is a random process. But if there is no true collapse of the wavefunction, only an apparent one, then it is deterministic.

It's not easy to test these interpretations, which is why they are called interpretations and not theories, but people do sometimes claim to test decoherence, which seems to be the popular belief these days.
 
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1. What does Einstein mean by "god does not play dice with the universe"?

Einstein's famous quote means that he did not believe in the concept of randomness and chance in the universe. He believed that everything in the universe follows a set of predetermined laws and that there is no element of luck or chance involved.

2. Is there any evidence to support Einstein's statement?

There is no scientific evidence to prove or disprove the existence of a god or higher power that controls the universe. However, many scientists agree with Einstein's view that the laws of nature are deterministic and that there is no randomness at play.

3. How does this relate to the concept of free will?

Einstein's statement implies that the universe operates according to a predetermined set of laws, which may suggest that our actions and choices are also predetermined. This idea challenges the concept of free will, as it suggests that we are not truly in control of our actions.

4. Are there any scientific theories that support the idea of a deterministic universe?

There are several scientific theories that support the idea of a deterministic universe, such as the laws of thermodynamics and the theory of relativity. These theories suggest that the universe operates according to a set of laws and principles that govern all of its processes.

5. How does this concept impact our understanding of the universe?

Einstein's statement challenges our understanding of the universe and our place in it. It raises questions about the nature of reality and whether everything is predetermined or if there is room for chance and randomness. It also sparks philosophical debates about the existence of a higher power and the concept of free will.

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