Determinism and Probability
Beyond either/or propositions
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Introduction
In discussions about the nature of existence, two concepts often appear at odds: determinism and probability. Traditional discourse tends to present these ideas as binary opposites — determinism as a fully deterministic universe where everything is predictable, and probability as a force of randomness or uncertainty. However, within the framework of the Gospel of Being, these concepts are not treated as being in opposition. Instead, they are seen as deeply intertwined, with determinism as the independent, perfect process that enables probability. This article redefines the meanings of and the relationship between determinism and probability, offering a new perspective that highlights how these two constructs complement one another within the process of existence.
For the purposes of this article, determinism is intended to mean the 'doctrine or practice of limiting of' and probability is defined as 'ability to prove'.
Determinism
In the Gospel of Being, determinism is not merely a law of fixed cause-and-effect or a mechanism for predicting every detail of the future. Rather it is the doctrine that governs how transformation occurs. The deterministic process, referred to as the conference of difference $\{\Delta\}$, is the first principle of existence. This conference of difference governs the how of all transformation from the quantum realm, to the universe and everything in between.
This deterministic process is perfect: 'complete' — it is independent of everything and does not rely on external factors or conditions. Specifically it sets the limits of how transformation can occur. It does not predict specific outcomes (the what) but determines the process (the how) by which the what may transform as. Through this process, determinism limits the how of existence while establishing the neccessary conditions for probability.
Probability
While determinism governs how transformation happens, probability determines what can emerge from those transformations. Probability in the Gospel of Being is not about randomness or pure uncertainty but about the ability to prove potential outcomes within the limits of the deterministic process — the conference of difference.
It is the deterministic process — the conference of difference — that enables probability. Probability does not exist independently; it is dependent on the deterministic process. The deterministic process sets how transformation must occur, while probability negotiates what transformation is probable in the system it exists in. In other words, probability operates according to the doctrine set by determinism, i.e. that process that defines how probability evolves.
Thus, probability depends entirely on a deterministic process — the conference of difference — to function as the system by which probability evolves.
Determinism and Probability
Rather than viewing determinism and probability as binary (either/or) systems, the Gospel of Being presents them as a connected system in which the 'condition of being' that is existence transforms.
- Determinism: Defines how transformation happens — it is limiting as to how existence transforms.
- Probability: Is the likelihood of what emerges from that process — it functions by way of the process itself.
In this view, determinism is not constrained by anything, but probability operates within it, allowing for variation and transformation whilst respecting the boundaries set by the deterministic process.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, determinism and probability should not be seen as opposing systems but as complementary ones that together, govern the unfolding of existence. Determinism, understood as the perfect, independent limiting process of transformation, provides the crucial process that governs how change can happen, while probability interdependently negotiates potential outcomes. Together, as a system they create a dynamic interplay — one where determinism and probability coexist, allowing for a rich and complex existence.
By reframing determinism and probability as an interconnected system — with determinism as a non-dependent process and probability as an interdependent one that operates by virtue of it — we gain a deeper understanding of how existence unfolds: structured yet open to creative transformation, limited yet capable of infinite variation.
The Gospel of Being
by John Mackay
A rigorous yet readable exploration of why the universe works—and how you fit inside it.
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