- #1
dmtr
- 182
- 0
neat ;)
... well, I don't really know. Uhm, I don't really know. If I had to guess, I would guess he [Einstein] was very very uncomfortable with the idea of a probabilistic theory. What does "probability" mean? You flip a coin a thousand times, what does it tell you about Nature? That the probability is 50 percent heads, 50 percent tails. Does it tell you anything about Nature? Does it, uhh, tell you that heads will turn up 500 times? No, it doesn't tell you that. Does it tell you 500 times within the margin of error, the margin of error being, what, square root of 10-30? No, it doesn't tell you that. Does it tell you that you cannot flip a thousand heads? No, it doesn't tell you that. What does it tell you? It tells you that it's "improbable" to flip ahh, a thousand heads. Well, probability is being defined in terms of probability. What ultimately does it say about Nature that, ahh, that if you flip a coin a thousand times that the probability is a heads that it will turn up - ahh, the probability is 50 percent that it will turn up heads? I think the only thing I can think that makes sense is to say you'd be very very surprised if you're outside the margin of error. It doesn't happen very often. Why doesn't it happen very often? It could happen very often, it could happen every time. Probability theory doesn't tell you that improbable things don't happen. It just tells you they're improbable; well, what does improbable mean? It just means they hardly ever happen. What do you mean they hardly ever happen, they can happen every time! Oh, but they're improbable. It doesn't say anything! It just says "you'd be surprised." I think Einstein was probably troubled by the idea that the most fundamental principles in physics were dependent on nothing more than what he would be surprised by. That's my guess - and I think it's Probably true.
Leonard Susskind
Lecture 9 | Modern Physics: Quantum Mechanics (Stanford)
Naty1 said:Didn't Einstein say "God does not throw dice"? Even though he helped found quantum mechanics apparently he did not like the consequences...
Leonard Susskind is a physicist and professor at Stanford University who has given a lecture on the uncomfortable concept of probability. In his lecture, he discusses the challenges and limitations of using probability to understand the world around us and proposes an unconventional approach to thinking about probability.
Probability can be uncomfortable because it is often used to make predictions and decisions about uncertain events, but it is not a perfect or absolute measure. It requires making assumptions and can lead to unexpected outcomes. It also challenges our understanding of causality and our ability to fully control outcomes.
Some examples of uncomfortable notions of probability include the uncertainty of quantum mechanics, the unpredictability of chaotic systems, and the concept of anthropic reasoning, which suggests that the probability of our existence is incredibly low.
Susskind suggests approaching probability with a more improvisational mindset, meaning that we should be open to new ideas and perspectives rather than relying on strict rules and equations. He also encourages thinking about probability as a spectrum rather than a single number.
Susskind's improvisational approach to probability could potentially lead to new insights and breakthroughs in fields such as physics, economics, and decision-making. It may also challenge traditional ways of thinking and open up new avenues for research and exploration.