It From Bit, from Wheeler to the Present

  • 2 Replies
  • 2232 Views

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

sciborg2

  • *
  • Old Name
  • *****
  • Contrarian Wanker
  • Posts: 1173
  • "Trickster Makes This World"
    • View Profile
« on: December 28, 2018, 04:10:18 pm »
Wheeler's original essay on this I believe is this one? ->

Information, Physics, Quantum: The Search for Links

Quote
This report reviews what quantum physics and information theory have to tell us about the age-old question, How come existence? No escape is evident from four conclusions: (1) The world cannot be a giant machine, ruled by any preestablished continuum physical law. (2) There is no such thing at the microscopic level as space or time or spacetime continuum. (3) The familiar probability function or functional, and wave equation or functional wave equation, of standard quantum theory provide mere continuum idealizations and by reason of this circumstance conceal the information-theoretic source from which they derive. (4) No element in the description of physics shows itself as closer to primordial than the elementary quantum phenomenon, that is, the elementary device-intermediated act of posing a yes-no physical question and eliciting an answer or, in brief, the elementary act of observer-participancy. Otherwise stated, every physical quantity, every it, derives its ultimate significance from bits, binary yes-or-no indications, a conclusion which we epitomize in the phrase, it from bit.

TaoHorror

  • *
  • Old Name
  • *****
  • Posts: 1152
  • whore
    • View Profile
« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2018, 07:54:51 pm »
A termite's response:

1) Seems true
2) Agreed, think this is spot on
3) Seems true
4) Unsure ( if I understand this correctly )
It's me, Dave, open up, I've got the stuff

sciborg2

  • *
  • Old Name
  • *****
  • Contrarian Wanker
  • Posts: 1173
  • "Trickster Makes This World"
    • View Profile
« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2018, 08:34:55 pm »
A termite's response:

1) Seems true
2) Agreed, think this is spot on
3) Seems true
4) Unsure ( if I understand this correctly )

Heh that's pretty much my take. It's heavy stuff, and it exceeds my layperson physics reading after a point. It does tempt me to dig deeper into the math of quantum theory...maybe a good 2019 New Year resolution...