This is a theoretical question. Assuming we know everything about everything in the universe. Can we then calculate the future. Logic tells me we could, but my guts tell me know.
If we could, then the future would be fixed, and my so called "free will" would not be free, but just a result of past inter actions of atoms.
2006-08-23 10:02:12 · 13 answers · asked by Rolf H 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The whole point of physics is to do exactly what you're asking... but there are some problems... first off, how would you perform such a calculation?... and how would you store the results? second... quantum mechanics kinda screwed things up
What you're asking is about determinism. The answer to your question is.... we don't exactly know. The thinking right now is quantum mechanics can't really allow it, because it's impossible to know where something is exactly in space and in time. But if you had some 'God' machine that could figure out where things were exactly and had an infinite computing power... yes you could. This machine exists and it's... the universe.
Free will is more difficult... it's more philosophic. Some people think you can have free will with determinism. The fact that the brain uses quantum effects really makes it impossible to say. I guess the best way of putting it is if you didn't have free will... how would you even know?
2006-08-23 10:27:01 · answer #1 · answered by daano15 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually your question is more philosophical than theoretical. In essence a theory is a provable philosophy. But even though the ability to predict the future with 100% certainty is not currently provable, that does not mean it will be unprovable in the far future.
Here's my spin on your question. I think as long as something unexpected can happen it will happen over time. Even rare events can be expected to happen over infinity, for example. Therefore, no outcome can be 100% certain because there will always be the off chance that a rare, unexpected event will happen.
The really more important quesiton in this regard is whether a prediction can be made with sufficient certanty that it makes sense to make a decision based on that prediction.
2006-08-23 10:27:09 · answer #2 · answered by oldprof 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not 100% certainty, but damn close.
If our lives were like a movie that we've seen many times. The movie shouldn't change.
If we travelled back in time, that might be a different story. Then we'd have to debate about grandfather paradox, Zeno, multiverse ...
Setting certain things in motion, can orchestrate a future event with almost 100% certainty. Like not studying for an exam, would usually result in a bad grade. Not wearing protection can result in a pregnancy and/or std.
Free will to change the future would be ours, in our timeline. The future event is a separate timeline. They already made their choice, and we've learned from their mistakes.
2006-08-23 10:28:30 · answer #3 · answered by r0bErT4u 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all, Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle makes it impossible to measure anything 100% accurate.
Second, it would take a compute an infinity of time (and memory) to compute anything with infinite precision. Unless all the numbers happened to have a finite number of digits, but the probability of this is zero, I think.
Then there is the more difficult issue about whether the universe is deterministic or not. Most physicist would say no but the issue is controversial. Penrose is a prominent proponent of deterministic universe.
Finally, our predictions are always uncertain in the way that they are based on the assumption that the laws of nature as we know them are correct.
2006-08-23 10:33:34 · answer #4 · answered by helene_thygesen 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Death....and taxes.
I think the problem will always be "everything about everything ".
I'm not sure about Hiesenberg, I think this is more chaos theory. Minute changes in an original act can have massive effects on the outcome. Watch "Wonderful Life" for a better explanation.
2006-08-23 10:28:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, It involves areasof physics not yet explored by humans.
But, i know for a fact with the right tools anything is possible.
2006-08-23 14:35:32 · answer #6 · answered by Dayne-O G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. There is no mechanism to do that. Death is certain but when one will die is not known or predictable. Even if you predict and kill someone there is no guarantee the person will die.
2006-08-23 10:28:44 · answer #7 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you are asking to be one with the universe is the answer to a universal harmonic motion of happenings, then ask again in a less threatiening way, Big Boy!
2006-08-23 10:15:16 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes it can. . . in fact. . . . I am 100% sure that anybody named Rolf who asks stupid questions will never get laid by a hot chick!
2006-08-23 12:04:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
uhm, no....why? have you ever heard of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle? :)
2006-08-23 10:23:23 · answer #10 · answered by rain_katana 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋