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{{a|systems|}}{{d|Uncertain|/ʌnˈsɜːtn/|adj|}}
{{a|systems|}}{{d|Uncertain|/ʌnˈsɜːtn/|adj|}}


of a potential future state, not possible to predict using mathematical tools, even probabilistically. So, neither deterministic nor stochastic. Not ''even'' random. This is the state of a complex system, and of most of the world. Interestingly — tellingly — mathematicians don’t even have a concept for uncertain. In the mathematical universe things are either [[deterministic]] or [[stochastic]]. If things are uncertain there is no mathematics to be done: it is useless. No wonder, really, that mathematicians don’t have a concept for it.
Of a potential future state, not susceptible to prediction using mathematical tools or probabilities. So, neither [[deterministic]] nor [[stochastic]]. Not ''even'' random.  
 
This is the state of a complex system, and of most of the world. Interestingly — tellingly — mathematicians don’t even have a concept for uncertain. In the mathematical universe things are either [[deterministic]] or [[stochastic]]. If things are uncertain there is no mathematics to be done: it is useless. No wonder, really, that mathematicians don’t have a concept for it.


This leads those in applied disciplines that depend on logic and mathematics (such as computer programming) to forget that there is such a thing as [[uncertainty]]. Given that the world, generally, is [[complex]] and [[uncertain]], this is quite the oversight.
This leads those in applied disciplines that depend on logic and mathematics (such as computer programming) to forget that there is such a thing as [[uncertainty]]. Given that the world, generally, is [[complex]] and [[uncertain]], this is quite the oversight.

Revision as of 11:38, 28 October 2023

The JC’s amateur guide to systems theory
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Uncertain
/ʌnˈsɜːtn/ (adj.)

Of a potential future state, not susceptible to prediction using mathematical tools or probabilities. So, neither deterministic nor stochastic. Not even random.

This is the state of a complex system, and of most of the world. Interestingly — tellingly — mathematicians don’t even have a concept for uncertain. In the mathematical universe things are either deterministic or stochastic. If things are uncertain there is no mathematics to be done: it is useless. No wonder, really, that mathematicians don’t have a concept for it.

This leads those in applied disciplines that depend on logic and mathematics (such as computer programming) to forget that there is such a thing as uncertainty. Given that the world, generally, is complex and uncertain, this is quite the oversight.

See also