From: Rob Harris Cen-IT (Rob.Harris@bournemouth.gov.uk)
Date: Thu Jul 15 1999 - 05:56:18 MDT
> >A system with a load of variables that we can't track at this tech
> >level is
> >not "unpredictable", it is "very hard to predict", if you want to be
> >correct.
>
> I think N-body systems are 'chaotic', meaning that extremely small
> differences in initial conditions can result in immense differences in
> outcomes, over sufficient time. While the computation may be
> impractical, I suppose that in principle the motions of an N-body
> gravitational system may be predictable from a classical perspective.
> But that does not take into account quantum fluctuations, which I suppose
> are in principle unpredictable.
>
Does anyone know about the principle of true uncertainty? Often when I
discuss determinism and causality with people, they pull out the old
"Quantum uncertainty" thing. I don't know what this is, or if it really
describes true uncertainty (i.e. truly spontaneous occurrences). I doubt it.
Ron, can you expand the uncertainty detail at all? Anyone else...?
Cheers,
Rob.
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they
are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify
the system manager.
This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by
MIMEsweeper for the presence of computer viruses.
www.bournemouth.gov.uk
**********************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Fri Nov 01 2002 - 15:04:29 MST