𝌎Algorithmic Probability

Algorithmic probability or Solomonoff probability is a method of assigning prior probability to observations, as a consequence of a method of assigning prior probability to programs that generate observations depending on their length. Specifically, every additional bit in a program cuts its prior probability in half.

possible explanations

  • imagine that reality is generated not by monkeys typing random symbols into a typewriter, but into a code interpreter. The likelihood that any given string (including a valid program) is written decays exponentially with its length. Perhaps reality is generated by an equivalent process to this.