Determinism: What We Have Learned and What We Still Don't Know

John Earman

= Complete Essay (pdf) =

This paper surveys the implications for determinism of modern physics. There is no easy way to summarize the upshot since the theories of modern physics paint many different and seemingly incommensurable pictures of the physical world. And even within a particular
theory--say, quantum mechanics or the general theory of relativity--there is no clear verdict. This is a reflection of the fact that determinism is bound up with some of the most important unresolved foundations problems for these theories. While this linkage makes determinism a
frustrating topic if one is in search of quick and neat answers, it also makes it an exciting topic for the philosophy of science.