Is the universe determinestic since the big bang? Does true randomness exist?

[plasma_lemon]

Given the exact same big bang, would this universe turn out exactly the same? Would I be typing this right now?

Computer random number generators aren't ENTIRELY random. Although, they ARE pretty unpredictable. Dice rolls aren't random. The dice you roll depends entirely on how you roll the die.

Are subatomic particles truly random? Or is there some force controlling them?

[Just4Hax]

The factors have influence, but we could still choose to go against the factors if we wish.

If you did that now it would be my influence on you

[El Violador]

If you did that now it would be my influence on you

Not true, i have done so in the past on several occasions.

[Needadicksoon]

There is randomness in our minds, etc. But not things that happen. If the universe exploded again then earth would still exist and all. But it's inhabitants would act differently or even evolve differently.

You also can't say the earth would still exist. I'm not saying it wouldn't, but there is no way we could ever know.

[El Violador]

You also can't say the earth would still exist. I'm not saying it wouldn't, but there is no way we could ever know.

But if you think about it, if the big bang happened in exactly the same way. Wouldn't earth have to go with it then?

[Needadicksoon]

But if you think about it, if the big bang happened in exactly the same way. Wouldn't earth have to go with it then?

If it was the EXACT same, then maybe but, in your post you didn't state that it would be the exact same. If that's what you meant. I apologize.

[TornadoCreator]

Given the exact same big bang, would this universe turn out exactly the same? Would I be typing this right now?

Computer random number generators aren't ENTIRELY random. Although, they ARE pretty unpredictable. Dice rolls aren't random. The dice you roll depends entirely on how you roll the die.

Are subatomic particles truly random? Or is there some force controlling them?

I consider myself a determinist. I accept the current held models of the universse, which indicates that all particles within our universe abide by the effects of the 4 natural forces, the strong molecular force, the weak molecular force, and magnetism; which despite the names of the first two are all pretty similar in strength; and gravity which is incredibly weak (provable because a small bar magnet can hold a pin even against the gravitational force of the entire Earth).

If you know exactly how all four of these forces act on a particle, you can predict how that particle will move and react. These particles form atoms, which in turn form molecules, which become the many items we see, including us, from a grain of sand to a massive star. What this means is every single thing that happens is pre-written because everything is acting according to the laws of nature. The only reason things seem random is because we don't have the ability to record and measure the influence of each force on every single particle, and form a model, and then use this model to predict future events. It is in fact impossible to ever do so, as any storage device and recording equipment capable of recording the influence of each force on every particle in the universe, at any given time, would need to be made out of particles in some manner, and would have to by definition be bigger than the universe itself...

Basically what I'm saying is that determinism is a logically proven and evidentially supported scientific position however it is not possible to deterministically predict any even accurately enough for this to matter so from our extremely limited perspective both free will and "random" events seem to exist. Our limitations mean we will always percieve free will and randomness, even if from a purely mathematical position they don't exist, but for all practical purposes we should operate our live as though these things do exist.

[SherryBirkin]

Not true randomness, merely extremely complex events finalising in a certain decision that gives the illusion of free will.

if there is anything random its imagination as it is what our sub conscious perceives through our daily life and replies it in a different form every time you dream so in that case its not ever the same as not every day could be the same nor the dream be predicted as that is part of being human one of the things ppl would argue sets us apart from what is and what something always will be

[elfmotat]

Quantum Mechanics is inherently non-deterministic. The wave function will tell you the probability that you'll find a particle somewhere, but it can't ever tell you exactly where something is or where it will be. It isn't the case that "we just don't have a good enough theory to be able to make deterministic predictions." There is no "hidden variable" that we just haven't discovered yet as far as we can tell (this can be demonstrated with some thought experiments). Probabilities are a fundamental part of the cosmos. To quote Feynman, "if you don't like it go somewhere else - to another universe..." Now, whether or not this permits "free will," I don't know. I suppose it depends on how you define it.

[Clutch Hunterr]

if there is anything random its imagination as it is what our sub conscious perceives through our daily life and replies it in a different form every time you dream so in that case its not ever the same as not every day could be the same nor the dream be predicted as that is part of being human one of the things ppl would argue sets us apart from what is and what something always will be

Everything you dream or imagine is based upon influence in one form or another. Things can be predicted, but it's so complex it... it just wouldn't be feasible.

Logically speaking free will is an illusion. That's the end of the matter unless science can prove otherwise(see Elfmotat's post above).

[elfmotat]

In regards to the "free will" thing, I think some of you are forgetting that our decisions and thoughts take place in our brains, and that our brains are "just" collections of particles. The behavior of these particles is determined by physical laws. If those laws were deterministic, then free will could be ruled out entirely.