Does true randomness actually exist?

[Celsus]

Hi,

Does true randomness actually exist? Or does it only seem like this since we're not aware of all the variables/elements involved?

Let's take roulette. It may seem random where the ball ends up but in the end it's all a matter of physics. So in this case 'randomness' is rather unpredictability (due to our limited knowledge).

Could you give an example of something that is truly random, meaning something which is not the necessary or logical consequence of a previous event?

Thanks.

[McCulloch]

As far as we know, the only truly random events are those at a quantum scale.

[Celsus]

As far as we know, the only truly random events are those at a quantum scale.

Which raises two further questions:

1. Doesn't this make the non-quantum world determined then?
2. So these events at the quantum scale don't happen for a prior reason? They just ... happen?

[Goat]

As far as we know, the only truly random events are those at a quantum scale.

Which raises two further questions:

1. Doesn't this make the non-quantum world determined then?
2. So these events at the quantum scale don't happen for a prior reason? They just ... happen?

1. If there is no 'hidden variables', then it would be probablistic not deterministic.

2. There are some events that some interpretations of the data that would be true.

[youranilldonkey]

As far as we know, the only truly random events are those at a quantum scale.

Which raises two further questions:

1. Doesn't this make the non-quantum world determined then?
2. So these events at the quantum scale don't happen for a prior reason? They just ... happen?

Quantum physics can be completely random, there is a chance that your electrons are "intertwined" with electrons on the other side of the universe and there is the probability that you will teleport there by sun rinse.

most physicists agree that these random uncertainties balance each other out in our macro-world. notably saying "you would have to wait many lifetimes of the universe for such an improbable effect to happen"

Although randomness can be seen with the naked eye, when scientists drop materials down to a thousandth of a degree of absolute zero. macro objects can begin to exhibit quantum physics due to every atom being at the same "frequency"

Science is split on the randomness and complexity of the human brain, some say that the human brain can be recreated into a computer with chips representing each neuron, others say quantum physics plays a part in our consciousness.

I doubt I answered much of anything, (it is 330 am) but I hope I intrigued you enough to check it out a little more.

[McCulloch]

As far as we know, the only truly random events are those at a quantum scale.

Which raises two further questions:

1. Doesn't this make the non-quantum world determined then?

Yes, except as far as it is affected by the quantum scale.

2. So these events at the quantum scale don't happen for a prior reason? They just ... happen?

Yes, that is the meaning of random.

[brandon_norgaard]

Quantum physics can be completely random, there is a chance that your electrons are "intertwined" with electrons on the other side of the universe and there is the probability that you will teleport there by sun rinse.

I believe this is the "Bohm Interpretation" of quantum physics. David Bohm theorized that quantum events are deterministic but appear to be random because they are caused to happen as they do by other quantum events that may be far, far away. I don't believe that this is the simplest explanation for the apparently random quantum events. I have concluded that the very laws of physics were put in place by a higher power. This is an entirely different concept, but bare with me. This higher power allows the laws of nature to control the workings of the universe most of the time at the macro level, but at the subatomic level, this higher power that may be called God is selecting the outcome.

most physicists agree that these random uncertainties balance each other out in our macro-world. notably saying "you would have to wait many lifetimes of the universe for such an improbable effect to happen"

I have heard some scientists who say that it is likely that quantum events have macro effects as a regular part of life. Certainly, the world is mostly deterministic, but if one looks closely at the details, then it is less deterministic. It is likely that sometimes, occasionally, there are noticeable events that occur whose origin is at least partially the result of a "random" quantum event that I have concluded are literally acts of God.

Science is split on the randomness and complexity of the human brain, some say that the human brain can be recreated into a computer with chips representing each neuron, others say quantum physics plays a part in our consciousness.

I believe quantum physics does play a part in our consciousness. I have concluded from experience that I have libertarian free will. Well, most of the time my actions are determined by the naturalistic workings of my body, but I do experience the intent to act on my own will. I have concluded that this is my soul making a decision how to act and this decision ends up determining the result of quantum events in my brain. This results in me carrying out the chosen action.

A little whimsical and eccentric, I will admit. I have come to these conclusion after much thought and discourse with others. I have a website that explains my ideas, and through which people can discuss this and other issues. Check it out EnlightenedWorldview.com[/url]