causal
Mind Is Determined But Practically Unpredictable
The mind is physically determined—there is no miracle in the brain when we decide—but because of chaotic, nonlinear processes (Brownian motion, possibly quantum phenomena) the system behaves in ways that are for all practical purposes random and unpredictable, like weather taken to higher degrees, so only a Laplace's-demon-level theory could predict our choices.
causalpending
Speaker
Steven PinkerEvidence Quote
“In theory perhaps Laplace’s demon would be able to tell us what each of us will do next. Some things that are true in theory are so mind-bogglingly complicated that they may as well not be true in theory.”
Created: 6/13/2026, 3:34:01 AM
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