OK, I'll bite - What is “randomness?” Other than a word for something I can't predict scientifically? If I know the half-life of an isotope, I know how to predict what percentage of an initial set of atoms of that isotope will have decayed in a given length of time.But which atoms of that isotope will have decayed, and which will not have decayed, at the end of that length of time? I have no clue. Other than that the spatial distribution of those atoms which will have decayed is unlikely to be segregated from the spatial distribution of those atoms which will not have decayed. Which is simply the clue of no clue - the impossibility of predicting in advance which of those atoms will decay before which of the others.
Isn't "chance" the name of a Roman god?
I believe science tries to help us understand what is
randomness. Your question about which atom decays and
which doesn't is a gooood question. It may be that
there are other factors which decide the rate of decay
not only TIME. Which brings up another question...
what is time? Is it based on the increasing entropy scale,
or can it loop on itself (quantum/string theory style) or
is it an artificial construct of mankind trying to put some
order in a universe(multi-verse?) that he doesn't really
understand at all?
Other than that, the book sounds very interesting....
From the TOC I want to read it. Where can I get a copy?
Congrats to Alamo-Girl and Betty Boop (whoever you are)