Quote:
Originally posted by Alfred1
" With the advent of quantum mechanics, however, it appears that the world might be irreducibly random. According to the standard interpretations of the theory, it is possible (and in fact very, very easy) to set up an experiment with total control of all relevant parameters, which will still have a perfectly random outcome. The resistance to this idea takes the form of hidden variable theories in which the outcome of the experiment is determined by certain unobservable characteristics (hence the name "hidden variables").
Many physical processes resulting from quantum-mechanical effects are, therefore, believed to be irreducibly random. The best-known example is the timing of radioactive decay events in radioactive substances."
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More faulty thought based on a limited understanding of a complex theory.
Quantum theory is a mathmatical theory used to explain certain phenomena of a certain scale. Its mathmatical models that are used to explain reality are not reality themselves.
If you want to be a literal quantum fundementalist then you must accept that there are an infinite number of alternate universes where every possible variation of quantum state exists and we just percieve one of them.
Its much easier to realize that the universe is epiphenomenal at all scales and quantum and astronomical theories are just limited human mental models used to approximate an infinitely complex universe at different ends of our concept of scale.
If you were to use the einsteinian view that there could be entire universes inside every atom then it becomes a little easier to understand how quantum theory defines approximate averaging models to explain the matter-energy transformations that occur when universes collide and interact.
If a cosmic giant were to try to observe our solar system from a vast exterior scale do you think he is going to come up with a mathmatical theory that deals with the rings of saturn or with the average spins of entire solar systems?
As I said before, NOTHING in the universe occurs radomly. Radomness is a human idea applied to phenomena we can not predict, but there is still order there even if we can't define it.
That ordering system is the closest thing to a god that I have, but its a far cry from the personified and meddling god that most cultists prefer to pray to.