On the Origins of Randomness

Abstract

This paper is a concept paper, which discusses the definition of randomness, and the sources of randomness in the physical system (the Universe) as well as in the formal mathematical system. I discuss how randomness, through chaos, the second law, the quantum mechanical character of small scales, and stochasticity is an intrinsic property of nature. I then move to our formal mathematical system and show that even in this formal system we cannot do away with randomness and that the randomness in the physical world is consistent with the origins of randomness suggested from the study of mathematical systems. Rules and randomness are blended together and their interaction is shaping all observed forms and structures.