Heads or Heads?

"In the theory of probability, fair coin flips are the fundamental particles of randomness.  Mix them, string them together, put them in a list, and you can generate any distribution you like.  It’s an added bonus that they work so nicely on the playground or when you and a stranger have simultaneously claimed the last parking spot at the Cineplex.

At least it seemed that way.  But the renowned statistician Peter Diaconis has locked the fair coin flip in the ivory tower of abstraction, forever."

In a post by Chris at Signal + Noise. Chris includes links to a NPR report on this and abstracts on Diaconis’ talk on this subject.

Via Greg Ransom at PrestoPundit.

Posted by on 03/08 at 04:49 AM

  1. So if coin flips are not truly random Mr. Venlet what does this tell you regarding Determinism and the nature of reality?

    Posted by The Serpent  on  03/08  at  09:47 AM

  2. Serpent, what it “tells” me, is, that I would need to construct a Determinism/nature of reality flipping machine and conduct an experiment.

    But, I would think, while considering the typical line of argument you enjoy pursuing, that you are asking the question as a means to inquire whether the coin flipping machine is a metaphor for the source.

    Posted by  on  03/08  at  10:16 AM

  3. I’m inquiring that if flipping a coin isn’t really (truly) random, then could you give me an example of something that is?

    Posted by  on  03/08  at  11:34 AM

  4. Serpent, I do not have an adequate amount of knowledge to properly address your question.  But, I did locate a very interesting article in Wired which delves into randomness.  The catalyst for the piece is a lava lamp, two math geeks, and the internet.

    Posted by  on  03/08  at  11:53 AM

  5. I’ll save you some time and trouble Mr. Venlet.

    Nothing in reality is random.  Randomness doesn’t exist.

    Posted by  on  03/08  at  02:08 PM

  6. Serpent, does your statement that “Randomness doesn’t exist.,” mean, you are a disciple of, and proseyltizer for, Quantum Mechanics?  Do you then agree with the statements in this discussion thread posted at sci.physics.research and appears to be connected with Cornell? 

    Posted by  on  03/08  at  03:07 PM

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