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Typical = Random.

Authors :
Landsman, Klaas
Source :
Axioms (2075-1680). Aug2023, Vol. 12 Issue 8, p727. 27p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

This expository paper advocates an approach to physics in which "typicality" is identified with a suitable form of algorithmic randomness. To this end various theorems from mathematics and physics are reviewed. Their original versions state that some property Φ (x) holds for P-almost all x ∈ X , where P is a probability measure on some space X. Their more refined (and typically more recent) formulations show that Φ (x) holds for all P-random x ∈ X . The computational notion of P-randomness used here generalizes the one introduced by Martin-Löf in 1966 in a way now standard in algorithmic randomness. Examples come from probability theory, analysis, dynamical systems/ergodic theory, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics (especially hidden variable theories). An underlying philosophical theme, inherited from von Mises and Kolmogorov, is the interplay between probability and randomness, especially: which comes first? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20751680
Volume :
12
Issue :
8
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Axioms (2075-1680)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
170711623
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms12080727