Information, Physics, Quantum: The Search for Links
In Proceedings III International Symposium on Foundations of Quantum Mechanics. Tokyo: pp. 354-358 (1989)
Abstract
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.
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