Theoretical Physics - From Outer Space to Plasma Entropy: Gaining Knowledge by Admitting Ignorance
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Dec 3, 2018 In a fascinating discussion, Alexander Schekochihin, a plasma physicist and Professor of Theoretical Physics, dives into the role of ignorance in understanding complex physical systems. He argues that acknowledging our limitations can be a powerful tool for making predictions about the universe. The conversation explores entropy as a measure of uncertainty, tying in insights from Boltzmann and Shannon. Schekochihin also addresses 'good enoughism' in statistics, showing how embracing incompleteness can lead to greater insight in physics.
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Systems and Probabilities
- Systems have many possible states called microstates, each with an associated probability.
- Knowing these probabilities lets us predict averages and measurement outcomes.
Probabilities as Likelihoods
- Probabilities in physics can be seen as likelihoods based on partial information, not just frequencies.
- Assigning probabilities fairly means considering only known information and admitting ignorance of the rest.
Shannon's Entropy Discovery
- Claude Shannon, a communication engineer, mathematically defined entropy as a measure of uncertainty.
- His formula uniquely satisfies requirements for symmetry, continuity, and additivity in uncertainty.
