If there is no such thing as random, is everything predetermined?

Question

If there is no such thing as random (only unknown variables) it makes sense that everything is predetermined

Answer 1

everything is predetermined, but live like it isnt

i think i got that from the golden compass, but im not sure

Answer 2

Well, yes; IF there was no such thing as true randomness, then one could argue that all was predetermined. However, quantum mechanics has pretty much laid that to rest. There is indeed true and genuine randomness in nature.

Still, even in a deterministic universe that's not to say that everything could be predicted. Chaos theory states that even in highly complex systems with no true randomness, predicting the outcome exactly can still be almost or completely impossible, because immeasurably small differences in initial conditions can greatly magnify and lead to vastly different outcomes. A system may have so many variables and so much complexity that it would be impossible to measure all the factors precisely enough to accurately predict the outcome.

So in that situation, one would have to ask, is the _appearance_ of randomness enough? The random number generator on your computer is not truly random, but uses a number of factors and algorithms to produce series of numbers that are essentially indistinguishable from truly random, and this works for nearly every application that needs random numbers. Even in a predetermined system, things can look essentially random.

Answer 3

Some believe that, but others, like me, believe that the pre-determined results can be twisted to other pre-determined results. For example, there's a glass of milk on the table. I could choose to A) Push it over or B) Leave it alone.

If I chose A) Push it over, then there would be a pre-determined result, such as my mother asking me what's wrong with my head and sending me to my room.

But, I could have just as easily picked B) Leave it alone, see?

My point is, all different paths in life are sort of predetermined, but, you're not doomed to what fate has in store, you can change it if you want to.

Answer 4

Where do you get the idea that there's no such thing as random? Some things are, some are not. False premise leads to false conclusions.

Answer 5

NOTHING is predetermined. However, every perceivable effect has a cause, whether we can trace that causality or not.

Answer 6

I totally agree, but seeing as you haven't actually asked a question I am not sure what else i am supposed to say.

Answer 7

The question is whether or not there is randomness. This remains undecided.

Answer 8

Yes. It is. How sad is that :-(