If you do believe this, how would you proceed to demonstrate that it is true? — Metaphysician Undercover
That there are possibilities does not necessarily entail that there is randomness. — Metaphysician Undercover
We can prove that no particular observer is necessary for the laws of physics.
That is to say different observers measure the same outcomes which proves that those measurements are not dependent upon any given one. — m-theory
Having possibilities entails that we must model them with randomness as the current state of knowledge stands now. — m-theory
I've always understood the use of "chance" when talking about evolution as meaning the same thing as "random", as in mutations occur randomly. But "chance" and "random" are simply a reflection of a gap in our knowledge of how the mutations actually occurred. — Harry Hindu
You seem to be missing the point.
Arguing that probability is just a misunderstanding about physics is an interpretation. — m-theory
But because things (other than animals and humans) have never, so far as we know, been observed to suddenly begin behaving radically differently, then we do abductively derive the idea that the behavior of things may be invariant across time and space; and this hypothesis; which is incidentally necessary for the coherent practice of science, is rationally warranted insofar as all we have to go on is what has been observed and recorded thus far. — John
I have no problem with "probability", I believe it is very useful. What I have a problem with is "chance", or "randomness". Do you see the difference? Chance, or randomness, is when probability is inapplicable for the purpose of prediction. So chance and probability are inherently incompatible. Probability provides the basis for prediction, chance does not. — Metaphysician Undercover
So when this occurs, do you think that this is just a random change in the plant or animal, or is there some reason for such a change? — Metaphysician Undercover
Are you wanting to dissolve all and any distinction between 'intention' and 'tendency'? — John
The terms probability, randomness, and chance are all used to indicate that exact predictions cannot — m-theory
That's the ambiguity I referred to earlier. "Chance" when speaking about a future event, refers to a possibility. This could be interpreted as probability. "Chance", when speaking of a past event as a "chance event", implies equal possibility, like the flip of the coin. "Random" refers to equal chances in relation to both, past and future. — Metaphysician Undercover
Since "random" refers to equal chances, it is useless for prediction. But any probability other than random is useful. So random is a particular type of probability which denies all possibility of prediction. That is the difference, probability is used in predictions when exactitude cannot be obtained, randomness does not allow for prediction at all. — Metaphysician Undercover
Chance is just another way to quantify probability.
You have a 1 in 2 chance of getting heads in a coin toss for example. — m-theory
That the laws of nature are not deterministic and exact predictions are never going to be possible. — m-theory
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