according to stephen hawking's books, once the unified field theory is found, then the future could be predicted. therefore everything is predetermined, and that we don't have any free will. is scientific determinism possible?
2006-10-11 10:34:59 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
This topic has an interesting history. Laplace is credited with being the first guy to note that in Newton's mechanics if we knew the exact position and momentum of every particle in the universe at any instant in time we could (in principle) predict the future with absolute certainty. The calculations would be monsterous and impossible for any mere mortal, but in classical physical theory it could be done. So, most pre 1900s physicists would have said that it was possible to predict the future with absolute certainty. No room for free will :( Then in the 1900s it was realized by Heisenberg that nature places fundamental limits on how well we can know both the position and momentum of particles. This is a limitation that we have as physical beings living within the universe. With our inaccurate knowledge of where things are and what they are doing, the best we can do is talk about possible futures and which futures are most likely. Thats what quantum physics is all about. This at least leaves a little room for free will to do its stuff. It is possible that there are still causes to all events and that everything is predetermined, (i.e. that particles possess definite positions and momenta) but if so then nature prevents us from ever knowing anything about them. So ultimately it all comes down to personal belief and a philosophical (not a scientific) problem.
2006-10-11 15:52:34 · answer #1 · answered by Link 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did Stephen Hawking really say that?
A unified field theory, as such theories are understood today, include quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanical processes are inherently unpredictable, except in a statistical sense.
Even if a theory of everything could, in principle, predict the future perfectly from measurements of an earlier state, it is guaranteed that we would never be able to do the initial measurements well enough to use it. Even classical, Newtonian systems, which should be fully deterministic are in practice non-predictable because the equations are chaotic. In other words, the forward-going dynamics predicted by the equations are exponentially sensitive to the initial conditions, so that only limited predictability is possible.
There is an entire moon of Saturn whose orientation cannot possibly be predicted two months in advance.
2006-10-11 10:48:12 · answer #2 · answered by cosmo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People have been predicting the future since the beginning of civilization. Accuracy has been severely lacking. And even if the equations for UTF are isolated, there are too many random variables to solve the equations with 100% certainty.
Even the best equations and fastest computers cannot accurately predict the state of anything more complex than a single hydrogen atom.
2006-10-11 10:45:10 · answer #3 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes! I predict you will receive several answers for this question. Most will be suppositions, some will be non-sense and a few will be comical.
Philosophical Add-on
Actually free will is a myth. If you were from the future, you would know what it is we are about to do; and since it has already happened, we are destined to do it anyway, provided you don't initiate a paradox, but that may be what you're supposed to do anyway.
2006-10-11 10:39:05 · answer #4 · answered by ohmneo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
that one is a no longer common one to respond to... confident, there are human beings obtainable who say they are in a position to foretell the destiny yet i've got not got faith in them. On a extensive experience.. (extensive experience in basic terms), the destiny can style of be expected by a guy or woman who's knowledgeable with history. you have heard that addage that history repeats itself.. properly, I even have somewhat some faith in that Now, on a private point.. there are people who are watching for guy or woman destiny for persons. such as you wanting your destiny informed. honestly it can not be finished yet whilst i became in the business enterprise, i'd p.c.. out specific words or words... If i'd desire to wrangle out of you despite if or no longer you're married, and that i come across out you're no longer, then i'd say.....I see a guy on your destiny yet I see him getting into your existence late next year.... or yet another one.. you will get carry of an substantial letter in the mail (properly, of direction, all of us gets an substantial letter in the mail)../.. and so on and so on.
2016-12-26 16:27:31 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I predict that I will get two points for answering this question!
2006-10-11 10:37:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. No future predictions are possible.
2006-10-11 10:40:13 · answer #7 · answered by Dr M 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
time is subjective. you cannot predict time. it depends on how observers measure it.
2006-10-11 12:04:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not allowed to talk about that, sorry.
2006-10-11 10:44:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
no
2006-10-11 10:40:12 · answer #10 · answered by shamsayasmin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋