Скачать или смотреть Can We Predict the Universe’s Randomness — or Is It All Just Chaos?

From coin flips to river levels to the placement of freckles, many events appear random at first glance—but dig a little deeper, and limits to the chaos start to emerge. Mathematician Michel Talagrand, winner of the 2024 Abel Prize, made groundbreaking contributions to understanding these seemingly random processes.
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We live in a universe governed by chaos: any system, if left alone, will gradually rise in entropy – a measure of uncertainty or disorder. Randomness, which does not follow patterns, surrounds us.

The mathematical study of randomness is rooted in probability theory, which helps us understand and quantify uncertainty. At its core, probability theory deals with the likelihood of different outcomes in unpredictable situations.

A key concept in this field is the random variable, which represents outcomes of a random experiment, and probability distributions, which describe how likely different outcomes are.

Randomness is often modeled through stochastic processes – systems that evolve over time in an unpredictable manner. Think stock market fluctuations or the growth of bacteria. Now, with mathematical formulas, researchers are learning how to determine maximum or minimum limits on these processes—essentially, finding a way to harness the chaos.

Ultimately, the mathematical study of randomness is essential for understanding complex, real-world phenomena and making informed decisions in situations of uncertainty.

#randomness #probability #randomnesstheory #mathematicalrandomness

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Read more about Michel Talagrand’s work on stochastic systems and randomness here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-...

Avi Wigderson’s contributions to theoretical computer science – including his research on randomness - revolutionized modern computing. Learn more here:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-...

In 2019, Karen Uhlenbeck was the first woman to win the Abel Prize. Find out more here: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-...

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Executive Producers: Nicki Marko & Brian Wolly
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