Laplace Meets Gödel - Determinism and Predictability in Physics

Explore the philosophical implications of determinism in physics through this thought-provoking seminar talk by Jenann Ismael from Johns Hopkins University. Delve into the concept of Laplace's demon, a hypothetical entity capable of predicting the entire future of the universe based on initial conditions. Examine the speaker's argument that such a demon is impossible, not only in classical mechanics but in any physical theory. Gain insights into the limitations of predictability in physics and the broader implications for our understanding of determinism. Learn how Gödel's incompleteness theorems relate to these physical limitations. Engage with cutting-edge ideas at the intersection of physics and philosophy in this Foundations of Physics @Harvard seminar, challenging conventional notions of causality and prediction in the universe.