On prediction

AVON: Let us examine the nature of prediction. The human mind is capable of seeing into the short-range future with reasonable accuracy. For example, imagine that you are standing on the edge of a cliff.

BLAKE: As long as you’re not standing behind me.

AVON: [Pause] There are a number of alternative futures. You could take a pace forward and plunge to your death. The cliff could crumble under your feet with the same result. A gust of wind could carry you over.

BLAKE: All right, all right, yes. But the probability is that I would turn round and walk away again.

AVON: Exactly. You have just made a prediction based on the known facts. A computer works on precisely the same principle.

BLAKE: But all you’re saying is that prediction is not immutable fact.

AVON: Right. If you hadn’t gone near the cliff in the first place, you wouldn’t have had to face any of the inherent dangers.

From: Blakes 7, series 2, epode 1, Redemption.

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