Is this a Deterministic Universe

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The discussion centers on the nature of determinism in the universe, particularly in relation to quantum mechanics (QM). Participants explore whether QM's randomness implies a non-deterministic universe or if deterministic interpretations, like Bohmian Mechanics, can coexist with QM predictions. The conversation highlights the philosophical implications of determinism versus indeterminism, questioning the likelihood of individual existence across multiple iterations of the universe. There is a consensus that while QM's mathematical framework is deterministic, the observable outcomes appear probabilistic, leading to ongoing debates about the underlying nature of reality. Ultimately, the complexities of QM challenge clear conclusions, suggesting that many aspects remain poorly understood.
  • #61
thanks Naty, well a Planck time slice is so thin that there is little difference between continuous and quantized in the macro world. It is probably is only important in the realm of QM.
 
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  • #62
Tanelorn said:
Advanced Math is like an alien foreign language to me unfortunately.

Unfortunately as far as UNDERSTANDING fundamental natural laws, and revealing its underlying beauty and simplicity math is necessary. If there is anything physics has shown us its that those laws are written in the language of math.

Two books at your level I would suggest are Feynman - The Character of Physical Law and Brian Cox E=MC^2 (I have that book as an audio-book because being a member of an audio-book club I get so many free as part of the membership and it really is surprisingly good - explaining many things including Noethers famous theorem)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0679601279/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0306818760/?tag=pfamazon01-20

You can also watch Feynman online:


Another excellent thing to read is Wigners famous essay:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/MathDrama/reading/Wigner.html

Thanks
Bill
 
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  • #63
my farewell.

there are various "flavors" of determinism, or rather, degrees of determinism

Fatalism -> Predeterminism -> Adequate Determinism.

the high regularity of events in the world, assures that nature is not entirely indeterminate, ...at least.

dear tanelorn, your next breakfast is assured !

cereal-guy.jpg

.
 
  • #64
Thanks audio!

Bill one thing that would really help with maths like that is a companion. ie A full description in words of everything that each equation says and why it is being used. It wouldn't be hard yet mathematicians for some reason don't do it. Not everyone can or wants to learn this much math.
 
  • #65
Tanelorn said:
I agree, every time you think you have found first cause you can always ask what caused that?
First cause and final effect therefore do not exist, just like a place at infinity cannot.

If there is no first cause nor last effect then we must deduce that causality is an illusion, or that there is a first cause which is also its last effect, we just haven't yet arrived at it.

Circle is the name of the game.
 
  • #66
MathematicalPhysicist said:
If there is no first cause nor last effect then we must deduce that causality is an illusion, or that there is a first cause which is also its last effect, we just haven't yet arrived at it.

Circle is the name of the game.

MP, thanks for the reply!

Wait for it...

What caused this circle in the first place? lol
 

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