What is the mathematical probability of God existing?

Favorite Answer

neil s - Existence may be a imperical question however by the philosophy of science existence is determined by observation. You need not observe the object itself to know it exists but its effect.

For example. We suspect the existence of black holes due to the relative movement of the stars. Black holes themselves are not observable as light cannot escape them to reach the eye but their huge gravimetric influence on surrounding celestial bodies is significant enough to paint a bullseye that they are there.

Now God... Is there significant evidence to suggest he is real? Well we are here so you might say this, but your not analysing properly if you do for our existence is indication only of a force of creation and in no way identifies this source as sentient, intelligent or a "thing".

Gravity is observable, its not a deity.


Now mathematic probabilities. Statistical analysis relies on accurate variables. Our current variables supporting an intelligent God at present is 0. Multiply anything by 0 and you get 0. Divide anything by 0 you get infinity. These are outside the number line, Mathematics fails at these two points. We need either another tool with which to compare or else more variables before a number can be reached.

Evolution is fact. We use this theory in a practical sense and it works, therefore we are as sure of it as we are that petrolium when properly atomised, compressed and given ambient spark/flame will explode with sufficient force to drive a crank shaft....Show more

Good Question. As a Mathematician I feel the odds of a god existing are nearly infinitesimally small. But to show the derivation will take time: Christians think by stating their god is timeless that this addresses the problem of existence. It does not. The issue is not time, but one of complexity. The more complex a system is, the more unlikely the possibility of that state just existing without exterior context. If a system has one bit the odds are one half. If a system has two bits of complexity the odds are one fourth etc . Christians claim a god with infinite complexity and no external context. The odds for this are essentially zero. By external context, one means the system is part of a greater system which provides context for it's state. Usually in the form of a selection effect, but it could also be an evolutionary mechanism or designer. But Christians claim their God, was neither designed, evolved nor was part of a greater whole. The only possible answer to this conundrum of how reality exists, it seems to me is that reality as a whole is not complex but simple. Since the part of reality we see seems complex, it must have external context. The likely reason then for the observable complexity is a huge selection effect: ( Our own existence ). Only in locally complex regions within the simple whole can beings such as ourselves evolve. Now having concluded reality as a whole is simple, meaning it has few if any alternative states. What can we conclude. 1. Reality as a whole is infinite and varied. ( Finite large systems cannot be simple ). 2. Reality as a whole is necessary. It has no exterior context to provide an external reason for it to be. The only thing I am currently aware of which is infinite, varied, necessary and profoundly simple ( no alternative states ), is Mathematics. By Mathematics I simply mean necessary tautological truth. If nature is simply Mathematics then this question is solved. New Catholic: What are the odds of placing a bomb in a landfill and have a functional god be formed spontaneously out of the blast? And why would those odds be any smaller than the odds of your god "Just Existing" for no external reason at all? "Accidently Created" and "Gods" form a false dichotomy logical fallacy....Show more

Probability Of God...Show more

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is the mathematical probability of God existing?
Here's another bit I wonder about when I listen to Creationists. Among the things that make the rounds on a fairly regular basis is the notion life couldn't have "evolved" because of the mathematical improbability of the thing. I've heard all sorts of fascinating numbers for......Show more

Is it god? Or super intelligent aliens? Or perhaps we came from another dimension? etc etc.

I think all of the above are equally unlikely.

There is really no room for statistics since proponents of Intelligent design do not depend on facts but rather wishful thinking and imagination....Show more