The Entropy of the Bible

[Gracchus]

In information theory, entropy (not to be confused with thermodynamic entropy, which is something entirely different,) is the increase of uncertainty.

Thousands of Christian sects have developed in the last two thousand years, nearly all claiming the Bible as authority for their varying beliefs.

With so much existing uncertainly about the Bible, it is indeed difficult to see how the uncertainty could increase.

That's because you're changing the definition --- let's reiterate:And now your point is moot.

First of all in thermodynamics, entropy is usually symbolized as "S". In Shannon information theory entropy is usually symbolized as "H", and is defined as:
"For a random variable

with

outcomes

, the Shannon entropy, a measure of uncertainty (see further below) and denoted by

, is defined as

(1)where

is the probability mass function of outcome

."

Entropy (information theory) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So, assuming that you mean the entropy in information theory, can you assign values to the variables to cause H(X) to be equal to zero?

Of course, you would have to explain why those particular values apply to the Bible.

If you can't then you are just talking through your hat, which, by the way, you seem to be sitting on.

 

[LifeToTheFullest!]

I doubt it Gracchus, AV just makes stuff up as he goes along.

 

[atomweaver]

And this is my point.

There's one sacred line of translations that is not subject to S --- kept preserved by the Author Himself. Originally Posted by Psalm 12:6-7

6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
​

__________________

Interesting metallurgy tidbit; Silver purified in an earthen furnace seven times achieves a purity of about 97%, under ideal conditions...

 

[LifeToTheFullest!]

Interesting metallurgy tidbit; Silver purified in an earthen furnace seven times achieves a purity of about 97%, under ideal conditions...

Looks like the best selling book of all time should have a subtitle.

"Holy Bible - Pure 97% Of The Time"

 

[Hespera]

Looks like the best selling book of all time should have a subtitle.

"Holy Bible - Pure 97% Of The Time"

Rush Limbaugh is right 98% of the time!

 

[Nathan Poe]

Looks like the best selling book of all time should have a subtitle.

"Holy Bible - Pure 97% Of The Time"

Making Ivory Soap the better deal.

 

[Wiccan_Child]

No, I'm not --- qv the OP again, please:


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Which is only valid in information theory. Go to any scientist and ask what 'entropy' is, you'll most likely get the thermodynamic defintion (or, if they're clever, they'll ask you which definition you want ).

 

[AV1611VET]

Which is only valid in information theory. Go to any scientist and ask what 'entropy' is, you'll most likely get the thermodynamic defintion (or, if they're clever, they'll ask you which definition you want ).

But I'm not talking thermodynamics here, I'm talking entropy as used in Definition #3 from Answers.com.

 

[Hespera]

But I'm not talking thermodynamics here, I'm talking entropy as used in Definition #3 from Answers.com.

Definitions of creation on the Web:

• the human act of creating
• universe: everything that exists anywhere; "they study the evolution of the universe"; "the biggest tree in existence"

 

[Gracchus]

But I'm not talking thermodynamics here, I'm talking entropy as used in Definition #3 from Answers.com.

Which is: "A measure of the loss of information in a transmitted message."

http://www.answers.com/topic/entropy

Note that it is a measure. That means there is a number associated with it. In the OP you claimed that the number was zero.

Here is how the measure is calculated:
"For a random variable

with

outcomes

, the Shannon entropy, a measure of uncertainty (see further below) and denoted by

, is defined as

(1)where

is the probability mass function of outcome

."

Entropy (information theory) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Now you, AV1611VET, said:

In reading about entropy just now (symbolized by the letter S), I came across this definition:Thus I would like to submit this as the equation for the entropy of the Bible:

• ΔS[sub](Bible)[/sub]=0

In English, it simply states that the change [Δ] in the entropy of the Bible equals zero.


Put another way, there is no change in the loss of information in the Bible.

I have asked you to assign values to the variables so as to arrive at the value of zero for the entropy, and explain how you arrived at the values for those variables.

Surely, you will find it a simple matter to do that! I would really like to know.

 

[AV1611VET]

Which is: "A measure of the loss of information in a transmitted message."

entropy: Definition from Answers.com

Note that it is a measure. That means there is a number associated with it. In the OP you claimed that the number was zero.

Here is how the measure is calculated:
"For a random variable

with

outcomes

, the Shannon entropy, a measure of uncertainty (see further below) and denoted by

, is defined as

(1)where

is the probability mass function of outcome

."

Entropy (information theory) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Now you, AV1611VET, said:


I have asked you to assign values to the variables so as to arrive at the value of zero for the entropy, and explain how you arrived at the values for those variables.

Surely, you will find it a simple matter to do that! I would really like to know.

You know how I feel about people changing the wording of OP's, I hope?

Your formula can take a hike.

 

[Gracchus]

You know how I feel about people changing the wording of OP's, I hope?

The quote was a cut and paste from your OP, as can be seen by simple inspection.

There is a word for deliberately deceptive people, AV1611VET, but it is not considered acceptable to use it in these forums. To imply that I changed the wording, or quoted out of context is an immense, stinking falsehood and a slander.

Your formula can take a hike.

How did you derive S(sic)=0? What formula did you use?

You made a specific claim. Can you support it? Or were you just blowing gas from your ... ears? (Pardon my dyslexia!)

 

[Cabal]

You know how I feel about people changing the wording of OP's, I hope?

Your formula can take a hike.

Yes, people get so troublesome when you try and shoehorn Biblical inerrancy into a scientific concept - always asking questions using established definitions and the like. They really are just so troublesome, aren't they?

 

[BananaSlug]

You know how I feel about people changing the wording of OP's, I hope?

Your formula can take a hike.

If you're not willing to show what variables you place in your formula that equal zero, and if you're not willing to take criticism for the inaccuracy of your formula, then don't even bother showing it to us.

You say the formula Gracchus gave can "take a hike" but the formula is essentially pure mathematics, the only "proof" there is. Besides, we all know you accept anything with open arms if it goes along with your worldview yet flatout reject anything that goes against it. I hope you don't reject speed limit signs.

 

[Hespera]

If you're not willing to show what variables you place in your formula that equal zero, and if you're not willing to take criticism for the inaccuracy of your formula, then don't even bother showing it to us.

You say the formula Gracchus gave can "take a hike" but the formula is essentially pure mathematics, the only "proof" there is. Besides, we all know you accept anything with open arms if it goes along with your worldview yet flatout reject anything that goes against it. I hope you don't reject speed limit signs.

Well, Pi aint 3.14 if the bible says its 3.0, and that is just that. Begone ye of the complex math.

 

[AV1611VET]

First of all in thermodynamics, entropy is usually symbolized as "S". In Shannon information theory entropy is usually symbolized as "H"...

Noted and corrected --- thanks for the 411.

 

[AV1611VET]

Well, Pi aint 3.14 if the bible says its 3.0, and that is just that. Begone ye of the complex math.

What is the value of Pi, with its decimal places truncated?

 

[MrGoodBytes]

What is the value of Pi, with its decimal places truncated?

What's a square with only three sides?

 

[AV1611VET]

What's a square with only three sides?

Depends on which side is missing.

 

[MrGoodBytes]

Depends on which side is missing.

Irrelevant. A square with three sides isn't a square anymore but a triangle. Pi without the decimals isn't Pi anymore.