What does God doesn't play dice mean?
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The phrase "God doesn't play dice" is famously attributed to Albert Einstein, reflecting his discomfort with the indeterminacy and randomness inherent in quantum mechanics. Einstein used this metaphor to express his belief in a deterministic universe, where physical phenomena could be predicted with absolute certainty given all necessary information. This stance was in contrast to the probabilistic nature of quantum physics, where outcomes can only be predicted as probabilities, not certainties.
Physicists like and have discussed Einstein's objections to quantum mechanics and his quest for a more deterministic theory. Einstein felt that the universe should operate with strict determinism, without any ambiguity or indeterminism at the microscopic level. His statement about God not playing dice can be interpreted as a rejection of the idea that randomness plays a fundamental role in the laws governing the physical universe. While Einstein believed in a rational world order, he did not believe in a personal God who intervenes in the universe; rather, he spoke metaphorically when referencing God in his statements 1 2.
Einstein's position contrasted with the viewpoints of other physicists who accepted the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. Despite Einstein's philosophical reservations, quantum mechanics has persisted as a fundamental theory in physics, with its probabilistic nature continuing to be a core aspect of our understanding of the quantum realm 3.
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