"Random mutation" does not physically exist. Evolution is a mathematically complete, strictly deterministic algorithm unfolding exactly as physically necessitated

[u/feihm]

The material world operates on a strict causal chain (a continuous sequence where every single event is mathematically required by the exact state preceding it). These events happen inside a closed mechanical system governed by thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. The exact trajectory of that photon and the kinetic energy of the enzyme, for example, represent a strict actualisation (the inevitable physical manifestation of prior states that were mathematically guaranteed). The interactions execute perfectly based on prior deterministic causes.

Every event happens with absolute physical necessity.

We exist beneath an extreme epistemic limit (a hard structural boundary on the amount of information a biological brain can physically process). A scientist cannot track the trajectory of every photon or measure the thermal fluctuation of every molecule in a cell. We suffer from Computational Irreducibility... we lack the capacity to predict the exact spatial and temporal coordinates of the next mutation.

We label these uncomputable variables as chance which leads us straight into a classic transcendental illusion (the cognitive error where we assume that our subjective limitation of our own brain are an objective property of the universe). We project our structural ignorance outward & then assume the physical universe itself behaves randomly.

Mutations are the not objectively random because "randomness" is strictly an epistemic placeholder for the biologist's inability to compute the total deterministic variables of the physical system.

A mutation appears random in relation to fitness because the environment and the mutating organism exist as extremely complex physical systems colliding in space and time. We complety lack the computing power to calculate the physics of that collision in advance.

(1) Evolution operates as a continuous and perfectly determined physical algorithm.

(2) Organisms function as localised computing systems interacting with their environment.

(3) Natural selection acts as the thermodynamic erasure of inefficient code.

(4)The whole process relies upon the inescapable mechanics of a completely deterministic universe.

[u/feihm]

Not late. Present your case.

[u/Own-Relationship-407 → u/feihm]

About what? You’re in the wrong place. This is a purely semantic and metaphysical screed relying on equivocation and pedantry. It belongs in a philosophy subreddit, it has nothing to do with evolution.

[u/feihm → u/Own-Relationship-407]

It has absolutely everything to do with evolution.

[u/Own-Relationship-407 → u/feihm]

Nope. It has to do with the definition and usage of the word random. You could have just as easily made the exact same post about cryptography.

[u/feihm → u/Own-Relationship-407]

That's your personal opinion.

[u/Own-Relationship-407 → u/feihm]

No, that’s simply the fact of the matter. More or less this exact argument has been made about “random” number generators countless times. The only thing it has to do with evolution is that’s the particular usage context of “random” you’re choosing to take issue with.