Question

Question: “If the current position and velocity of every particle in the Universe were known, together with the laws describing the forces that particles exert on one another, the whole future of the Universe could be calculated. The future is determinate and preordained. Free will is an illusion.” Do you agree with this thesis? Argue for or against it.

Short answer

Quantum mechanics suggests that the future is indeterminate since the moment of decay of any specific radioactive atomic nucleus cannot be foreseen; only the average rate of decay of a large number of nuclei can be predicted.

Step-by-step solution

Definition for particles in the universe

The Standard Model of Particle Physics is currently the best description of the world's basic building materials, according to experts.

Physics explains how everything is made of particles called quarks (which make up protons and neutrons) and leptons (including electrons). Quarks clumped together to form protons and neutrons a few millionths of a second later. These protons and neutrons joined into nuclei in minutes.

Step 2: Defining that future is indeterminate level in the current position and velocity and not preordained

At the basic level, the current agreement is that the laws of physics can happen naturally. The principle of Uncertainty, for example, states that because the position and speed (or intensity) of all particles cannot be accurately determined, the following predictions cannot be accurate. In another example, quantum mechanics suggests that the future is not fixed from the time of decay of any radioactive atomic nucleus that cannot be predicted; only the rate of decay of a large number of nuclei can be predicted.