S
Stranger on the Street
Guest
First let me define deterministic. I would consider the universe deterministic if an omnipotent observer who is completely external to and separate from the universe can look in on the universe and see the eventual outcome. (In other words, there is only one possible path for the universe).
Here is my argument that the universe is deterministic:
1) Every basic particle and quantum of energy is strictly bound by fixed laws of physics.
2) Therefore, the action of any particle or quantum of energy is deterministic. If something obeys the laws of physics, there is only one path that one such a thing can take.
3) Every state in the universe is comprised of these particles and quanta.
4) Any given state depends on the state immediately before it.
5) Therefore, by inductive logic, the universe is deterministic.
Is this logic valid? Does quantum theory negate this determinism? Is determinism compatible with quantum theory?
Please, try to cite your sources. (Or suggest sources where I could locate such information.)
Here is my argument that the universe is deterministic:
1) Every basic particle and quantum of energy is strictly bound by fixed laws of physics.
2) Therefore, the action of any particle or quantum of energy is deterministic. If something obeys the laws of physics, there is only one path that one such a thing can take.
3) Every state in the universe is comprised of these particles and quanta.
4) Any given state depends on the state immediately before it.
5) Therefore, by inductive logic, the universe is deterministic.
Is this logic valid? Does quantum theory negate this determinism? Is determinism compatible with quantum theory?
Please, try to cite your sources. (Or suggest sources where I could locate such information.)