Unpredictability is perfectly possible in a deterministic universe

TL;DR

This paper explores how unpredictability can exist within a deterministic universe, specifically in quantum theory, and argues that quantum unpredictability does not directly relate to free will, challenging common assumptions.

Contribution

It clarifies the distinction between quantum unpredictability and free will, and critiques existing free-will arguments in the context of deterministic quantum theories.

Findings

Quantum unpredictability is irrelevant to free-will debates.

Existing free-will arguments do not determine the validity of deterministic quantum theories.

Unpredictability can be compatible with determinism in quantum mechanics.

Abstract

We revisit the vexed question of how unpredictability can arise in a deterministic universe, focusing on unitary quantum theory. We discuss why quantum unpredictability is irrelevant for the possibility of what some people call `free-will', and why existing `free-will' arguments are themselves irrelevant to argue for or against a physical theory.