Abstract
Many systems do not change with time in a deterministic (unique) way. Hence for the change of a system from a certain state to one out of many possible other states often it is only transition probabilities that are given.1 The reason for the uncertainty with respect to the state change depends on the special situation:
-
•
It can result from external influences (disturbances).
-
•
Also internal fluctuations are possible, e.g. in a system that consists of many subsystems (elements).
-
•
In quantum mechanics the transitions are inherently non-deterministic due to HEISENBERG’S uncertainty principle [121, 122]. However, the corresponding probabilities of their occurence can be evaluated.
-
•
Chaotic dynamics also brings about an uncertainty due to the so-called butterfly effect.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1995 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Helbing, D. (1995). Master Equation in State Space. In: Quantitative Sociodynamics. Theory and Decision Library, vol 31. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8516-3_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-8516-3_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-4482-2
Online ISBN: 978-94-015-8516-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive