I think with enough knowledge you can accurately predict a cycle from point A to point B. However point B may not be a single pre-determined point. It could be an either/or 'branch' in the prediction where either thing may happen depending on variables. So then we know the outcome for cycle one, from point A may be point B if XYZ is true, or point C if DEF is true, if XDZ is true it may end up at point G. But with enough knowledge you should be able to then predict which of the combinations is going to happen and thefore say with certainty what the outcome will be, irrelevant of how complex the equation is or how many millions of XYZ, DEF branches there are in the process.
In the case of the universe I think the same would apply, but the knowledge required and the power to process that knowledge would be astounding to the point of incomprehensible to our species. That is not to say that such power and knowledge does not or cannot exist though. Most would say it impossible because we are limited by our own understanding. Someone mentioned it would take something larger than the universe to model the universe. Probably true - but that view is limited by the thought that our universe is the only universe and there are not others. Perhaps what we see as our universe is merely a single element in a sea of other universes?
We dont have the knowledge we think it requires to accurately predict everything, but others might. We may develop it, but perhaps our resources are self limiting, perhaps that way by design.
I have said in other forum topics that a theory of our existence that is just as plausible to me as any other, is that we are just an experiment for a superior species/being.
Consider a bacteria culture on an agar plate under the microscope. Now to those bacteria, the kind of knowledge and ability that the human species possess is incomprehensible. They are, after all, just simple bacteria. If you add an element of logic, it stands to reason that no matter how hard it is to believe or comprehend, we may actually be just a form of bacteria on an agar plate being grown and observed by a species/being that has knowledge beyond our comprehension.
Some call that being God, others believe they are Aliens. Perhaps it is just us but millions of years in the future when we have gained the power and knowledge to manipulate a universe.
Who knows? More to the point, who really cares?
