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Tempus · 09-05-2003, 06:16 AM

I'm surprised no one has jumped on the chaos theory wagon for this ride. If you want to argue the deterministic nature of the universe then chaos should be your starting point. Makes it nice and simple.

But, arguing the linearity of the universe (or lack thereof) doesn't necessarily force a deterministic path. Simply knowing the initial conditions in full detail does not always mean you will know the outcome.

Of course, the sticking point is that "full detail" disclaimer. Maybe, just maybe, you could define the quantum state of the entire universe and then be able to accurately predict the next step. But I seriously doubt the possibility of that action ever occuring.

09-05-2003, 06:16 AM	#19
Tempus Cooling Savant Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 456	I'm surprised no one has jumped on the chaos theory wagon for this ride. If you want to argue the deterministic nature of the universe then chaos should be your starting point. Makes it nice and simple. But, arguing the linearity of the universe (or lack thereof) doesn't necessarily force a deterministic path. Simply knowing the initial conditions in full detail does not always mean you will know the outcome. Of course, the sticking point is that "full detail" disclaimer. Maybe, just maybe, you could define the quantum state of the entire universe and then be able to accurately predict the next step. But I seriously doubt the possibility of that action ever occuring. __________________ Thou art God.