Philosophizing about Random Numbers

[MarsKitten]

But, if we knew the velocities and positions of all objects in the universe could we predict everything (assuming a perfect understanding of physics). Keypad example:
Yes those numbers LOOK random, but if we knew the exact position, speed and direction of the hand, fingers and the amount of force necessiary to activate the keys we could predict the number, and a perfect snapshot of the brain you could predict which "random" numbers it would press.

Shorter: La Place's Demon, refute!

[Anal Kaboom]

So then there are no random numbers, just lack of knowledge?

[Anthony]

So then there are no random numbers, just lack of knowledge?

It may well be impossible to know the position and velocity/direction of electrons, in which case, there are random numbers.

What mars said isn't really much of anything, it is basically saying, if you know everything about all the things that went into creating something, you know what will be created.

[kingoffighters]

Interesting thought. Then I farted.

[Space Pirate Roberts]

It may well be impossible to know the position and velocity/direction of electrons, in which case, there are random numbers.

What mars said isn't really much of anything, it is basically saying, if you know everything about all the things that went into creating something, you know what will be created.

Which is why human free will and an omnipotent, omniscient being are incompatible, and thus all of western religion is BS. But let's not go down that road again.

[Tracer]

Which is why human free will and an omnipotent, omniscient being are incompatible, and thus all of western religion is BS. But let's not go down that road again.

Why not? Too many threads about Space Grandpa with his Sky Cake?

[Fe 26]

Man, I want some sky cake. I bet it is really fluffy.

[Anal Kaboom]

mmm bronze age cake.

[Fe 26]

I like this.

I think that just because a series of numbers is represented in pi, though, doesn't mean that it couldn't ever be considered random. Whether or not something is random hinges on intent. It's situational. Monster trucks.

If you slap the numpad a few times and your phone number happens to pop up, you still got to it randomly, and thus it could be called a random number.

Pretty much this. A lot of people are showing that they don't really know the mathematical definition of random.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_number

[dog$]

That link doesn't provide the mathematical definition of random, either.