Real Numbers are the Hidden Variables of Classical Mechanics
arXiv:1909.04514 · doi:10.1007/s40509-019-00211-8
Abstract
Do scientific theories limit human knowledge? In other words, are there physical variables hidden by essence forever? We argue for negative answers and illustrate our point on chaotic classical dynamical systems. We emphasize parallels with quantum theory and conclude that the common real numbers are, de facto, the hidden variables of classical physics. Consequently, real numbers should not be considered as "physically real" and classical mechanics, like quantum physics, is indeterministic.
Talk presented at the workshop "Quantum Limits of Knowledge", Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen, May 2019. 4 pages
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