non-determinism
Multiple possible results
Non-determinism describes systems or processes where identical inputs can produce different outputs, or where outcomes cannot be precisely predicted from initial conditions.
In computing, a non-deterministic algorithm may follow different paths on successive runs with the same data.
In philosophy, non-determinism holds that not all events are causally inevitable—that genuine randomness or free choice exists.
The quantum world exhibits fundamental non-determinism.
Autonomous choice capacity
- causalityCause-effect connection
- agencyPower to act
- volitionCapacity for choice
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
choice · contingency · libertarianism · fatalism · predestination · Epicurus · swerve · randomness
Randomly determined, statistically describable
- random variableFunction quantifying probabilistic outcomes
- distributionAllocation across recipients
- Monte CarloProbability estimation through randomness
- samplingExtracting subset for study
variance · expectation · likelihood · Bayesian · statistical · aleatory · chance · entropy
Small inputs, disproportionate results
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
- initial conditionsState at time zero
- LorenzAustrian animal behaviorist
- strange attractorFractal pattern in chaos
turbulence · bifurcation · emergence · self-organization · nonlinearity · Lyapunov exponent · unpredictability · feedback loops
Mathematical model of computation
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- automataSelf-moving mechanical devices
- concurrencyOverlapping execution of tasks
- race conditionOutcome depends on timing
parallel processing · thread · scheduling · state machine · oracle · computability · branching · interleaving
Coexisting in multiple states
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- wave functionQuantum system's complete description
- collapseSudden structural failure
- entanglementState of being intertwined
Heisenberg · uncertainty principle · quantum mechanics · Schrödinger · observer effect · Copenhagen interpretation · decoherence · photon
free will
Autonomous choice capacity
autonomy · choice · contingency · libertarianism · fatalism · predestination · Epicurus · swerve · randomness · moral responsibility
stochastic
Randomly determined, statistically describable
- random variableFunction quantifying probabilistic outcomes
- distributionAllocation across recipients
- Monte CarloProbability estimation through randomness
sampling · variance · expectation · likelihood · Bayesian · statistical · aleatory · chance · entropy · noise
butterfly effect
Small inputs, disproportionate results
- sensitivityResponsiveness to stimuli
- initial conditionsState at time zero
- LorenzAustrian animal behaviorist
strange attractor · turbulence · bifurcation · emergence · self-organization · nonlinearity · Lyapunov exponent · unpredictability · feedback loops · fractals
Turing machine
Mathematical model of computation
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
- automataSelf-moving mechanical devices
- concurrencyOverlapping execution of tasks
race condition · parallel processing · thread · scheduling · state machine · oracle · computability · branching · interleaving · deadlock
superposition
Coexisting in multiple states
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- wave functionQuantum system's complete description
- collapseSudden structural failure
entanglement · Heisenberg · uncertainty principle · quantum mechanics · Schrödinger · observer effect · Copenhagen interpretation · decoherence · photon · electron
non-determinismdeterminism
Doctrine of causal necessity
hard determinism · predictability · predetermination · fatalism · inevitability
non, determinism, determine, determined, determining, determines, determiner, determiners, determinant