I'm not a physicist but I believe the "problem" (?) with quantum mechanics is that it's random. That wouldn't support free will but it doesn't sound like it supports determinism either. Randomness is a somewhat frightening prospect, possibly worse than just not having any say because of the anxiety of what might happen at any time. The odds aren't ever in our favor. — Sunnyside
In quantum mechanics, concepts such as force, momentum, and position are defined by linear operators that operate on the quantum state; at speeds that are much lower than the speed of light, Newton's laws are just as exact for these operators as they are for classical objects. At speeds comparable to the speed of light, the second law holds in the original form F = dp/dt, where F and p are four-vectors. — Wikipedia
You lost me. I've always heard it's random, so I don't know?In quantum mechanics, concepts such as force, momentum, and position are defined by linear operators that operate on the quantum state... — Wikipedia
it could be you know
something against the flow — TheMadFool
Not true. Newtonian physics is strictly deterministic. Quantum mechanics is not.I'm not a scientist but Newtonian physics applies at the quantum level. — TheMadFool
That's true but imprecise. Quantum mechanics is probabilistically deterministic. This means there is not one discrete possible outcome; rather, there is a well-defined probabilistic distribution of possible outcomes.I believe the "problem" (?) with quantum mechanics is that it's random. — Sunnyside
I'm having some trouble with this, could you explain it to me?That's true but imprecise. Quantum mechanics is probabilistically deterministic. — Relativist
What about them?↪Sunnyside I know. I also thought that was the case. Randomness probably applies to sub-atomic phenomena and not at the atomic level. The two are different I believe. Your comments... — TheMadFool
We're physical, our brains are physical i.e. we're all made up of particles. — TheMadFool
I'm not a scientist but Newtonian physics applies at the quantum level. If I'm correct that means particles, their position and velocity, are deterministic in behavior.
Knowledge of initial states of particles can be used to predict their properties at some other time in the future. — TheMadFool
Randomness probably applies to sub-atomic phenomena and not at the atomic level. — TheMadFool
Do you agree that a system can be considered deterministic if it evolves over time strictly per an equation over time? That is the case with a quantum system. (I'll defer your question about measurement until you consider this).↪Relativist
I'm still not sure how probability can factor into determinism, it seems like a contradiction of terms. — Sunnyside
I'm not a scientist but Newtonian physics applies at the quantum level. If I'm correct that means particles, their position and velocity, are deterministic in behavior. — TheMadFool
Quantum mechanics is probabilistically deterministic. This means there is not one discrete possible outcome; rather, there is a well-defined probabilistic distribution of possible outcomes. — Relativist
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.