David Deutsch on Physics Without Probability

Simon Benjamin2 HN recommenders · 2020–2023
38K views · talk · evergreen · Uploaded 2015-06-04

A 2015 talk by David Deutsch with slides and audio about constructor theory and how physics, in particular the many-worlds interpretation, can be framed without probability.

Cited in threads on probability and quantum theory as a strong argument that probabilities can be eliminated from physics.

Watch on YouTube

3 comments from Hacker News

@scribu2020 · in “Algorithmic Theories of Everything (2000)”

IMHO, a better title would be " Probabilistic Theories Of Everything" Contrast with the recent work from David Deutsch, which eliminates all probabilities from physics. Intro to Constructor Theory: [VIDEO]

@ThomPete2022 · in “Probability (1963)”

Any theory that is explainable and hard to vary does not need probability. Can you explain how probability is used in statistical mechanics in a way to contradict what I am saying? P.S. Thanks for being a sport and talk about this in a truly respectful way. If you want to understand where I am coming from, I can really recommend David Deutsch talk about probability here [VIDEO] It was a big awakening for me once I realized not only where probability theory came from (not physics) and how engrained it is in our thinking.

Strongly recommendsView on HN
@andrewgleave2023 · in “The World is Built on Probability [1988/2023]”

David Deutsch’s “Physics Without Probability” covers the history of probability, it’s legitimate and misconceived uses and concludes that according to MWI there is no such thing in reality - it’s basically that probabilities correspond to how measures of the multiverse proportion themselves as differentiation occurs. I watched it a few years ago so may be misremembering bits but I think that is the gist… Worth a watch especially if you balk at this idea just to to see a strong counter argument. [VIDEO] Edit: link

RecommendsView on HN