"It from bit" and "Law without law": The route of information theory towards the refoundation of physics

Michel Feldmann (1)

1 X - École polytechnique

We propose an explicit framework for realizing the Wheeler's "It from bit" doctrine that information is the foundation of physics. Based on a Bayesian information-theoretic interpretation of quantum mechanics, we construct a purely information model of universe, providing a new paradigm for quantum gravity. The universe is thereby equated to a gigantic memory that can be specified by its storage capacity and its current entropy. From these sole two inputs, it is possible to infer the physical laws and calculate most physical constants. The theory requires drastic conceptual changes since all physical concepts are necessarily emergent, whether time, space or energy as well as fields, matter and radiation. In return, a large number of standard puzzles, like the information paradox, the asymmetry matter/antimatter, the origin of discrete symmetries or the source of universe expansion become simple platitudes. This version is preliminary.

Domaines: Physique [physics]

Michel Feldmann. "It from bit" and "Law without law": The route of information theory towards the refoundation of physics. 2020. ⟨hal-02471910⟩