Stephen Hawking: 'God not only plays dice, He also sometimes throws the dice where they cannot be seen.'

God not only plays dice, He also sometimes throws the dice where they cannot be seen.

In his notable quote, "God not only plays dice, He also sometimes throws the dice where they cannot be seen," Stephen Hawking beautifully captures the essence of the unpredictable nature of the universe. At first glance, this quote hints at the idea that fate and chance play significant roles in the workings of our world. However, when we dive deeper, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to explore alongside Hawking's thoughts.Initially, Hawking's quote suggests that the cosmic plan may not always be apparent to us. It implies that there are instances where unseen forces may shape the course of events, even beyond our comprehension. This notion challenges the idea of a deterministic universe, where every action and outcome can be predicted with absolute certainty. Instead, it proposes a reality where randomness and unpredictability coexist with underlying order.The metaphorical language used in the quote suggests that God, symbolizing a transcendental and intelligent force, engages in a game of chance. By playing dice, God willingly embraces the unpredictability and uncertainty that accompany the throwing of these dice. It suggests that unseen rolls of the dice can influence events, allowing for surprises and unexpected turns that may confound our limited human perspective.But what if we go further and juxtapose Hawking's idea with a philosophical concept? Let's introduce the concept of determinism, which advocates for a universe governed by laws, where every event can be traced back to its causes—where absolutely nothing is left to chance. Determinism argues that the future is irrevocably shaped by the past, leaving no room for randomness or hidden dice throws.This introduction of determinism into the discussion opens up a fascinating debate between two opposing viewpoints. On one hand, Hawking's view aligns with a worldview that acknowledges the presence of chance and uncertainty. It suggests that while some events may follow a predictable pattern, others take unexpected paths guided by unseen influences.On the other hand, determinism claims causality as the sole driver, asserting that everything happens as a result of preceding causes. According to determinist thinking, there is no room for chance, and the idea of unseen dice throws becomes obsolete. This perspective emphasizes the absolute predictability of the universe and suggests that every outcome is predetermined and predestined.When we bring these contrasting ideas together, an intriguing question emerges: Can these two seemingly opposing viewpoints coexist or find common ground? Is there a harmony between the presence of chance and the inevitability of determinism?Perhaps the answer lies in acknowledging that our universe is vast and complex, encompassing multitudes of possibilities. While determinism may hold sway over certain aspects, there are realms that remain untethered to causality—domains where unseen dice can be thrown. Embracing both perspectives allows us to consider a reality where some events arise from deterministic causes, while others incorporate elements of chance and unpredictability.In conclusion, Stephen Hawking's quote enriches our understanding of the universe by highlighting the presence of hidden forces and the interplay between chance and determinism. It encourages us to embrace the idea that even in a world governed by laws, there is room for spontaneous and unexpected events beyond our comprehension. By introducing the philosophical concept of determinism, we engage in a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of our existence, pondering the balance between predetermined outcomes and the transcendental game of hidden dice throws.